Donna4545

I just popped this in the oven. I didn't want to go over my daily calorie limit, but I needed a bit of Protein. I'm in the soft solids stage, so I'll have to chew the mushroom very well. 1 medium sized portobello mushroom cap, stem removed 4-5 tbsp of 93% lean ground beef, sauteed with onion and garlic 1 slice mozzarella cheese (thick, the kind that comes as a large ball, packed in Water. If you can't get this, a generous thick topping of lowfat mozzarella-70 calories worth) Turn the mushroom cap upside down and fill with hamburger, which you can season any way you want. Top with mozzarella slice Sprinkle dried parsley on top of cheese Bake in a pre-heated 425 degree oven for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your mushroom. 125 Calories 3 carbs 10 protein

I've been taking Benefiber, and it doesn't work. At least not on me. Something's gotta be done or I'm going to be calling the plumber and asking to borrow his "snake". (A snake is the tube that they use to clear pipes)

Fat hate is alive and well on the American airwaves. It thrives. It preaches the message that if you yell at fat people, play mind games with their emotions, make them do exercise that is unrealistic for them in the short and long term, and keep them on an unrealistic diet they will lose weight. They will. Until they return to their normal lives and gain it back, because they didn't lose it in a healthy and sustainable way the first time. It's televised yo-yo dieting. Torture as entertainment. Voyueristic, judgmental, and perpetuating stereotypes like "all you have to do is get off your ass, you lazy fat slob". Jillian can kiss my fat ass, along with every "Biggest Loser" type show, the people that produce, advertise, and yes, even watch and support that crap. Give me couple of minutes more and then I'll tell you how I *really* feel, lol.

103 fever--go to the ER now. Don't wait. Better safe than very, very, sorry.

If you have severe osteoarthritis like I do, and there simply is no cartilage to cushion, the pain won't go away as you lose weight. I specifically asked this question of my orthopedic surgeon. He said the less pressure on the knees the better, in terms of wear & tear, but if your cartilage is gone, you will be in pain until you are old enough to get a knee replacement. Hopefully your situation is not as bad as mine. I have the cartilage of an 80 year old, he told me.

Recipe amendment--cook the filled mushroom first, add mozzarella 15 minutes before cooking time is up and remove when brown and bubbly.

I googled this and saw saw a few medical articles saying that there was a risk of ulcers from NSAIDs, so the docs who are saying none for life are taking a "better safe than sorry" stance. "Increased risk" doesn't mean "going to happen" but if I can eliminate a risk, I'm all for it. Obviously some physicians don't feel the risk is large enough to worry about.

I have a few packets of unjury Protein chicken broth powder (to help you get your protein in during your "clear liquid" stage right after surgery). I just don't need them any more and I hate to waste them. If there's enough time for mailing before your surgery, and you want them, send me a pm with your mailing address. First message gets them.

The broth has been spoken for. Thanks

Hi Melinda, you might find my blog for newbies useful (link below my ticker). Good luck with your surgery, and let us know how it's going.

Here's another one I found, for cheeses. Calories in Mozarella Cheese - Calorie Charts

If you're pre-op and you would like a few packets of unjury Protein chicken broth powder for your clears phase right after surgery, send me a message with your address. First message received gets them. I have unflavored protein that I use for Soups, so I really don't need them any more, and it seems a shame to waste them, even if it is just a few packets.

Somebody sent me their mailing address so the broth is spoken for now.

I got the Richard Simmons box set, too, but I'm waiting until I'm cleared for exercise before I start it--it's a little more strenuous. DVDs are a godsend--it means I don't have to go to the gym, which I absolutely hate.

My surgeon does 4 leak tests-2 during surgery and 2 after. He's got a zero complication rate, and it probably has something to do with that thoroughness. I'm sure everybody gets by with what they've had just fine, but those 4 leak tests gave me great peace of mind, and it was well worth it to have a drain in for one day.

Oops, just realized I misread your name, and it's not Beth but wanttoBETHin lol--anway, PM me your mailing address!

Hi Beth- This is for your post-op clears phase, so don't use them during your pre-op diet. Just send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll get them mailed to you. Good luck with your surgery! Donna

Good luck! It sounds like they really make you jump through hoops! Let us know what happened. I would check with the insurance company a week after the papers are submitted. That's how long it took BCBS to approve mine.

My mom was very against my surgery--until after I had it. Now SHE wants it! The reason she was against it was because she remembered all the early Gastric Bypass horror stories from the 1980s, and was under the impression that my intestines were being re-routed. There were a few key facts that calmed her down: 1. Surgical risk is no different from having your gallbladder out (very low) 2. My doctor had a zero complication rate 3. They are just making my stomach smaller, nothing else Now that she sees that I've done just fine after surgery, she's way more accepting. And with the weight loss, she keeps bringing up her own problems losing weight, and has hinted that she's like to have it done. Don't give up--people can change their minds. They're against it because they don't know about it, and fear of the unknown is pretty strong. Educate them and they'll probably come along. Good luck!

Although I lived in LA for years, I couldn't get through the Kaiser process, so it wasn't at a Kaiser. I live in North Dakota now, and my surgery was at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck. I really did feel good after surgery; there were no problems at all. Even being the hospital was fine. It sounds weird to say this, but my surgery was actually a really good experience. So don't be scared. Part of what made it such a good experience was the staff's expertise with bariatric patients. For example, ask for a scopolamine patch behind your ear to prevent nausea (ask when the anasthesiologist comes to see you), which is a common post-op complaint, and totally unnecessary. Walk around, sip you fluids when they let you, sleep on your back, and you will do fine.

I think 3 days in the hospital isn't needed unless you have large incision surgery. I stayed overnight, went home the next afternoon, and felt fine throughout. Everyone is different on this account, but if things go well you have just as much of a chance of feeling just fine, like me, so don't go into prepared to be miserable.

I got a bunch of stuff at once, so I got free shipping--didn't think about that. I like vitacost.com too because they have 4.99 shipping no matter what size order, but they don't carry the syrups.

I still get hungry--not "head" cravings, but actual hungry rumblies and a feeing of emptiness. Starting my 4th week out I can eat 1 cup of soft solids--I hope that's not too much. After that I stay full for a long time. I've found that drinking crystal lite pretty much all the time between meals helps.

I would check with the clinic to see if they will allow you to wear a gown other than theirs for surgery.

You aren't losing a stomach you are gaining a healthy lifestyle that will FORCE you to eat more reasonably.