kathp

Early on I didn't track carbs. Now I pay attention. Having said that, I have no idea what it is. Using myfitnesspal, it looks like I'm averaging 30% of my daily intake as carbs, and I watch for net carbs. If it's not a net of less than 10 per serving, I don't buy it. (whole grain crackers, low carb tortillas, etc) For example, I just recently gave up my greek yogurt because I realized the fruit flavored ones had all kinds of carbs. I get the Protein from cottage cheese instead. Beans are the exception, because of the protein. I can only handle so much meat I looked into MFP some more, and maybe I'm averaging a 45 g net carbs a day, with my protein goal at 85g. I hope that helps? Kathy

For the first 6 months, I'm on Bariatric Advantage or Celebrate. Here's my list: Celebrate calcium citrate soft chews - 1500 mg, taken as 3x500 Bariatric Advantage Multivitamin, 2 / day Celebrate B12, sublingual Celebrate Iron, chewable, taken at bedtime so it's not near the calcium. I want to say 50 mg. My three month blood work came back fine. I wasn't deficient in anything before surgery.

The surgeon told me at discharge "never trust a fart". LOL, did that prove true. The first BM was not pretty. However, it gets easier. The gas pain goes away - walking does help. The energy comes back - it took me about a week or so. And the new schedule of eating and learning to eat again gets easier. I'm three months out and feeling pretty good about it. (It's been a month since I threw up from eating too fast. I strongly suggest putting the utensil down between bites. Save yourself from my mistake!)

Protein Ideas: ready to drink shakes like Isopure, Cytosport (they're really strong fruity, I had to Water them down, not a strong protein taste), Oh Yeah milk shakes, Muscle Milk light, EAS carb control shakes (shake well) unflavored protein mixed into chocolate pudding FF or LF cottage cheese greek yogurt with fruit (do Dannon light and fit greek, has least amount of carbs) Wendy's chili Try the recipes at http://thesurgeonscookbook.blogspot.com/ (free download) - especially the Mexican Lasagna - I've had it with and without baking it with the tortillas and it's very good. I like the ground meat with tomatoes and veggies all mixed together. Less thinking, get the protein, can easily measure the portion. I split up when I take my Vitamins and my Calcium. The chewable calcium wasn't sitting well, so I switched to the soft chews. My chewable Multivitamin is Bariatric Advantage. It's smaller than the Celebrate one. And I had to change flavor because it wasn't sitting well either. I found that if I change if I have water first or not it helps. Sometimes it's OK and sometimes not. I'm sorry you're having such trouble! Good luck!

Regrets are normal. And if you don't have them, you're the exception. Second-guessing yourself is normal. The thing to remember is that it's not something you can go back and change. So rather than dwelling on what you coulda-woulda-shoulda, focus on why you did it, and what your goals are. What are you hoping to be able to do as you lose the weight and get healthier? Short term and long term goals. Have that "before" picture of yourself handy. Take your measurements. Have your blood work results. Find measurable ways (not just the scale) to track your progress. And reward the small victories. (Can you tell that I've had to get past the regrets? It's been a real challenge with the change in eating and the timing requirements when I have plant trials at work - I'm an engineer - and I question what I was thinking. But since I can't change it, I just go with it. Most days. On the other days, I read this page, a lot. And reach out to the people in my local support group.) Kathy

My daily target is 85 g. I had my sleeve 5/13 How I do it (for what it's worth) During puree, they gave (my NUT) me some recipes for puree stuff and I did a Protein Shake for Breakfast and then ate either pureed homemade chili or deconstructed lasagna for the other two meals. Then cottage cheese for Snacks. Didn't count calories in the early stages. For soft foods, I did more like pot roast, and chili not through the blender. My Protein Shakes are whey isolate (Six Star chocolate) with plain light soy milk (just recently switched to unsweetened almond) some fruit (now that I can have it again) and PB2 (only 1T, not 2) I also love the unjury chicken Soup Protein. You might try that if you don't like the milky kind. Just don't overheat it (has instructions) or it will separate out. It counts as a "shake" I also did a lot of ready-to-drink Isopure - Blue Raspberry or Coconut. The others I found vile. I was eating greek yogurt until recently, when someone pointed out the carbs in the fruit. So my options were plain with MIO added for flavor, or cottage cheese instead. I like cottage cheese, so I changed. I eat string cheese. I've added back in nuts for snacks. I used to eat a lot of Ostrim, which is 96% fat free beef-ostrich Jerky. It's about 80 calories, and 14 g of protein. The skin isn't sitting too well with me yet, unfortunately. It's a decent snack, especially before a workout. Don't despair - there are days I actually exceed 90 g of protein! It can be done! the thing they don't tell you in advance is how much planning this takes. You just have to think about what you're going to eat for the whole day, or it doesn't work. Good luck! Kathy

If you weren't in a panic, you wouldn't be normal! It's going to be fine. You have good reasons, you made a good decisions, you're prepared. Do like DonRodolfo says and make a list of the pros and cons to remind yourself. And then read some success stories. Make a list of "post-op NSV"s you're looking forward to. It's so worth it!

I don't like the Nectars - they're too sweet for me. But someone did bring Roadside Lemonade with the Walden Farms 0-everything Strawberry Syrup and some Crystal Light Lemonade in it - AWESOME. Protein, about 35 calories for 8 oz, and tastes good. (just don't let it sit out, or the protein settles)

Yes, food is not the same as it used to be. I used to love a big greek salad with grilled chicken. I have to eat the chicken first for the protein and then there's no room for the rest. I am learning (sleeved 5/13) how to find a balance of veggies and protein, though. I've been focusing on protein instead of protein and something else at my meals, and I'm afraid I'll get scurvy (LOL) or get bored (more likely). I'm also struggling with what to make. At least I know when I cook I'll have plenty left over! (it's just me)

Don't get discouraged! I can't believe you're working out already...Took me 2 weeks, and then I worked out too hard and kept getting dizzy from not enough calories going in. My nutritionist and exercise physiologist said getting the Protein and Water goals was more important than the gym. If you don't have time to do that, than you're exercising too much... Just another thought. If you're not getting the water in, how much are you getting (how close?)? Everyone's different, and it will take time. I think 2 weeks is a bit early to be freaking out! Kathy

HW 325 SW 268 CW 222 surgery 5/13 turned 40 5/21 I exercised a lot more before surgery in the pre-op phase. But life is getting in the way more than anything else. I've been in a slow-down the last few weeks on the weight loss, but I'm down 103, so I'm not complaining. It's taken a bit of adjusting to what I look like in the mirror. I'm 5'10", so my goal is somewhere around 170 to be "normal" versus "overweight" but I haven't been less than 200 since high school. I'd like to see onederland! I'm going to work on it. My surgeon (at the 3 month follow up) said the average is 55% of excess weight loss post-op (so whatever you had to lose based on your SW, you're going to lose 55% of it by the first year, on average, for sleeve). I don't know why I'm doing so well in terms of numbers. But I'm glad I did surgery! Kathy

I'm on my own (no family) so my deductible was met by the bloodwork needed as part of the pre-work, and by the psych visit pre-op. Then the rest hit my "annual out of pocket" max. I think together that was $3600. Check into what your annual out of pocket max is, and then look at what it means. My "max" only means that I don't pay co-insurance any more this year, but I still pay co-payments. So I still pay to see doctors, but not for bloodwork until next year. I was kind of bummed that "annual out of pocket max" doesn't mean "all out of pocket" but that would be too easy. I hope this helps you figure out what questions to ask.

I'm with Cheri - I want spice and flavor. I've noticed if I have to chew it forever, and get such a small amount, I want it to be worth it. My issue is more that not feeling hungry, I'm not sure what I want, and I have a hard time deciding what to eat. And with the need to plan to make everything work (if you don't plan your meals, it's harder to meet protein goals, and to eat outside of your house) you really need some inspiration. I wish someone would just tell me, some days. I think our tastes change a lot less than the RNY folks, because we're not rerouted at all. They have all kinds of issues with smells and tastes. I think we just have to watch for burnout.

I'd love to ship! I'm sick of tripping on them. Where in LA are you? I used to be in Baton Rouge... I bet the heat wouldn't bother me as much any more Hmm, how best to do this... I think I can send you a friend request or something that will send you actual email, and we can exchange more details offline. I don't mind sharing, just not with everyone all at the same time! Kathy

My Dansko and Sanita size 41s are now too big. To make room in the closet, and to help the budget, I need to sell off my shoes, although I'm sad to say goodbye. I've got a file put together, because I was going to try ebay, but it's too much effort. I'm happy to answer questions and combine shipping costs, etc. Negotiations are open! (I'm now wearing a 40 or even a 39. I wish I had realized my feet would shrink. I love my shoes) https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/22369546/Shoe%20sale%20list.docx [let me know if this linking thing doesn't work. I haven't tried it before]

I'm built like my Dad. I did the pre-work on my own, talked it over with my sister. Then I told my parents I was doing it - once my mind was made up. My Mom offered to fly in for the surgery and I almost didn't let her. It was a challenge, but I was glad she was coming to "hold my hand" pre-op. First thing we had to do was grocery shop (I was on the Clear liquids 24hrs before at that point). (Why she did the BOGO on the lettuce and left it for me I'll never know, but hey, my neighbors appreciated it.) She didn't stay at the hospital once I was out of surgery, didn't communicate to the family beyond that I was OK (she went shopping), and she flew out the morning after I got home. I had to drive myself to a doctor's appointment and had to go very slowly because I was still so shaky. However, I'm so independent if it had gone differently we could have killed each other. I thought about what it would mean if she came, was honest about my fears (we have almost come to blows sharing the same roof before - she raised me to be very independent), and she was honest about her "not doing the hospital thing". It was what it was. A friend who had surgery the week later was in the hospital with her family (husband and kids) and hadn't told her parents. Her husband ended up telling them for her. I was shocked. I was very open with everyone once my mind was made up - even on Facebook. But I was clear - if you weren't going to support me, please unfriend me now, that type of thing. Good luck in dealing with your Mom, and I hope she comes through for you. And I think it's a toss up between coming with Cookies and trying to grocery shop on the way home for who's Mom is more oblivious!

I ended up at a surgical solution one day out of the blue. I went to an informational seminar. I talked to people who had had it done before. Both with good and complicated outcomes. Do your research on your surgeon. What surgeries will your insurance cover? What is his/her complication rate? Does he do leak checks post-op? How does he treat leaks? What is his pre / post-op diet plan like compared to others? Support group? What services (gym, cooking, follow up) are included? Talk to his people with complications. I love my surgeon, and he's the best one in our area, but I got there by dumb luck. Ask lots of questions. That's a good sign. I will be honest with you - the guy who had surgery the same day as me (RNY though) died a week later. I think it was the first patient my surgeon lost in 10 years? We don't know the whole story, other than that it was a massive heart attack. What I do know is that his long-time girlfriend is still in the program to have surgery with the same surgeon. She and I have talked about how I decided on VSG, but I haven't pried. So yes, there's a risk. But life doesn't come with guarantees and I'd rather enjoy mine than observe it from the sidelines - and I don't mean that in a condescending way, just in a honest way. I look at myself in the mirror now and don't really recognize myself. I actually see more of my Mom. And she's really cool. She works for Harley, and left for Sturgis this morning. She "lives" and I've kind of "existed" up until now (since college anyway). Good luck in your decision-making process.

My surgeon authorizes up to 6 weeks, but won't sign off on less than 2.5 weeks - when you see him for your two week follow up (some people don't need the note to return and go back sooner). I went back four days after I started puree. I wish I had waited the full six (FMLA, short term disability) but on the other hand, having the schedule really helped me adjust to the fluids and eating regularly without the hunger feeling driving it (I'm back to being hungry now, though, bummer). It really is individualized to how physical your job is, how you do with surgery (if you have issues with anesthesia, etc), and how quickly you adjust to the diet phases. I just strongly suggest you don't start back on day one of any new diet phase. Too much at once.

I've puked a few times. Here's why - they are lessons I learned the hard way, and by no means do you have to learn them that way! - The first two weeks (twice) it was because I messed up and went into withdrawl because I stopped taking my antidepressants. I had a very unpleasant 30 hours until we got that stopped and me restarted. (I also had the chills/hot flash thing going) - I was fine after that until I went back on real food at 6 weeks out, when I learned that I need to eat s-l-o-w-l-y. If I don't eat slowly, I fill up too fast and it hurts. That happened first. A few days later, I did it again, and puked. Then two days after that, and the next day, and then again. I was fine for a week and then tried a low-carb tortilla-sandwich. Without a plate. Dumb. So, now I am really good about putting my utensil down between bites and using a plate for non-utensil food. Chew a lot (makes using spices a good thing) and pause. I'm three months out. My surgeon had us on the velcro leg things with the pumped Fluid in them at the hospital so that the blood circulates to minimize clot risks (I don't know what they're called). I followed the post-op diet plan. And I get my fluid and Protein in and take my Vitamins and supplements. I don't regret having my sleeve. I agree with the person who said it was an adjustment, and it is. But I went out to eat with friends on the post-op liquid phase (Vietnamese restaurant, had the Soup without the added stuff. It's about the people). And I've been to a buffet (coworker's farewell lunch. Funny to watch everyone eat their week or month's worth of calories and then complain when we got back to work). Good luck!

With the sleeve I know the part of the stomach that generates the hunger hormone ghrelin is removed, and so the feeling of hunger may go away, but how many people really feel no hunger long term? I'm three months out and I can't decide if I'm feeling hungry again, or if I've just trained my brain that I eat three meals and two Snacks so I think I'm hungry when I skip them? I don't want to fall back into the trap of eating for the sake of eating, but I don't want to ignore body signals, either. If I'm at my Protein goal and don't "need" to eat, I can skip that 5th time, but if I'm feeling hungry and am genuinely hungry I shouldn't do that. I thought I'd check in with all of you and see if I'm over-analyzing things or if I really am just hungry! Thanks everyone! Kathy

My NUT says a Protein shake a day for the first year post-op (other surgeons are different). He also says anything more than 25-30 g of protein per meal isn't good. My daily goal is 85 g, so I get it in meals and in Snacks (including the shake). I'm not counting calories yet - just 6 weeks out - I'm focusing on protein and Fluid goals. I started "real food" yesterday and was SO happy to have veggies on their own. I was really getting sick of high protein meat. But when you can only fit 1/2c, you need the protein. We are also told no liquids 15 min before and 1 hr after eating (same as RNY). My current diet: Breakfast Protein Shake (either made at home with light soy milk or a prepackaged low carb option); morning snack (if I have time) greek yogurt (no fat); lunch meal (today, grilled chicken and salad!, yesterday, chili I made myself); afternoon or evening snack greek yogurt or cottage cheese (no fat options); dinner meal - meat and veg, but majority is meat/protein. 64 oz of liquids, minimum. No real intentional carbs (sigh, no bread, no potatoes). I'm feeling the need for Miralax powder due to the increased Iron in the supplements. I'm working out about 2-3 times a week, but only like 20-30 minutes due to the low calorie intake. I'm down 92 total and 35 since surgery (May 13) - but my surgeon told me yesterday I'm at my 3 month goal versus the 6 week. I think the dieting before the surgery has really played a role, because I was at 1200 calories a day with working out 3 times a week. I'm not worried about a stall as much as I am longer term good habits. I figure if I work the program my team has laid out, I'll get to where I need to be. If I'm stuck, I can call them or email them and share my food diary to get some advice on what to change (if I had advice, I would share it). Best wishes to all!

Soft is "fork tender". I've had a meatball, chicken salad, and have been told Wendy's chili is also an option. And veggies! Of course, I'm only eating about 1/4 cup again, but I have hope.