Adri

I'm on my second dose of miralax for the day...ugh. I lost track of how long it had been since I went. Here's hoping it works.

I had diarrhea for about 3 weeks straight. (this is pretty normal--liquids in, liquids out) It will get better as you transition to solids. I had this painful lump in my throat when I tried to swallow. It was worse with Water. I didn't get anywhere near 64 oz the first 2 to 3 weeks...which is bad...I was very fatigued and nearly dehydrated. I was drinking about 16 oz a day...not enough! I just couldn't force it down...but I should have tried harder. My sleeve was so swollen it literally wouldn't fit. The trick (I learned later) is to take tiny sips ALL DAY LONG. I probably drank this amount before surgery. And again, time just fixed this problem...magically at about day 21 I could get more water in at a time, I gulped all day and night for a day and a half and avoided going to the hospital! I had the terrilbe shoulder pain from gas...and I know this sounds repetetive, but it's true...nothing really helped that, it just went away by itself in about 3 weeks. That's what I mean by typical...time heals all wounds...literally!

I got kind of lazy and have just been buying rtd's. But now I think I'll get the Magic Bullet out of the cupboard again. Variety is the spice of life! Thanks Tiffykins.

Banishing Cream by Avon...costs about $9

I've been very fortunate. Other than the typical hurdles of the first month, I have been doing well. I think my rate of loss is about average. My downfalls are not quite hitting my water every day and exercise. But we can't change all our old bad habits overnight. I just started drinking propel zero which is helping me get more water down, and this weekend I start a yoga class. Baby steps...! I wish you the best!!

My best friend has been tracking my weight weekly since my surgery. I was always the fatter one, by at least 20 lbs. I am now within 3 lbs of her current weight. I'm dreading what will happen when I pass her up...or down I should say. Wish me luck, I hope this won't change our relationship. But I have this awful feeling...

My doctor recommended Bariatric Advantage. But I did not have to buy it thru his office. You can buy it online. The chocolate and banana protein powders are good as long as you add a little extra milk for richness. If you just use water they don't taste so good. I hate the strawberry flavor.

Welcome to VST! I'm sure you'll find a lot of great information here.

My triglycerides used to be borderline high. I didn't pay much attn to this because my main problem was with diabetes. After surgery I've been watching carbs, not fat...and yesterday my doc said my total cholesteraol was 194. I figure that is pretty good considering I wasn't concentrating on trying to improve it. As a side note, I am also off my high blood pressure medicine ( my blood pressure was even a little low) and my diabetes #s are at normal levels. At this time I still take diabetes meds, but now about 1/4 the dose. Things are looking up!!

Yup, I love the Black Cherry Propel Zero. I've also had Peach and Lemon...pretty good!

I know this struggle; I still can't eat real slow. So what helps me is to measure first, so I know i can't over eat, and to cut everything up into teeny pieces so there's not as much chewing to do. Take care!

I'm 2 months and 2 weeks out. I just discovered that a Taco Bell Crunchy Fresco Taco (beef) is a perfect fit. Not too much, not too little. I better not start making these a habit!

Mine was: 1 day clear liquids 2 weeks full liquids (protein shakes) 2 weeks pureed/mushy foods 2 weeks soft foods Then "normal modified diet". Basically everything except very fibrous foods: raw veges, popcorn, nuts. I'm at week 11 now and the only thing that has made me slightly sick is eating too much salsa/raw tomato.

Whey is naturally the major source of lactose. But whey protein isolate can be processed and filtered so it's virtually lactose free. That is why I have no problem with the BA shakes. I think you would have to check the label of any protein powder/drink before you buy it to make sure it's lactose free.

I am lactose intolerant; here are some Protein suggestions for the mushy stage and beyond: -pureed chicken breast, tuna, deviled ham (watch out for fat content) -scrambled eggs -refried Beans, lentils, split pea Soup -hummus -tofu (you can put it in any type of sauce, e.g., sautee it then add marinara; or make it like you would egg or tuna salad) -swiss cheese is lactose free; cheddar is low lactose and you can probably tolerate it if you don't eat too much at one time, great over refried beans. Also, brands of Lactose free "dairy products" usually only found in health food-type stores (Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Mother's Market in So. California) -Lactaid cottage cheese -Tofutti cream cheese (delicious) and sour cream -"Veggie Slices" (it is like american cheese, good for sandwiches later on) -Lisanti brand almond cheese (I like the mozzarella and it melts when you heat it) -various brands of soy yogurt (have not actually found one low enough in sugar that I like) -Arctic Zero (whey protein "ice cream"...it's so-so tasting to me, but I've never been much for ice cream in the first place) Also try going to a blog called The World According to Egg Face, I have not tried yet, but many people love her wls-friendly recipes. The protein shake powder I first tried was from Bariatric Advantage. They are very nutritious and lactose free. I would add some Lactaid to make them taste a bit richer; they are not that great mixed with Water only. If you order online, I suggest the banana or chocolate flavors, stay away from strawberry--it tastes like PeptoBismol. Half of these items I found myself, the others were from other kind people on this forum. I hope it is helpful to you.

I had D throughout the first month...the liquid and mushy stage...yes, it was very frustrating. Thank goodness we don't eat much. And now I'm almost always constipated. Miralax hasn't helped much, I think I'll try Milk of Magnesia next.

I did the same thing...ate all the fried foods and sugary foods I could get my teeth into...since I knew that's what I wouldn't be able to eat after surgery. Don't worry, after surgery you won't crave them anyway...that's the beauty of it!

I know that caffeine withdrawal is a BEAR!! Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of sleep if you can. If you're at home, put your most favorite comedy in the DVD player or watch America's Funniest Home Videos! (honest, it helped me ) I wish you the best!

These have been satisfying my sweet cravings. They are simple and quick, no recipe needed!: -Calcet Calcium Citrate Lemon Chewy Bites (delicious like dessert) -Iced Decaf coffee with splenda and non-fat milk (also counts towards Water goal) -Premier Protein shakes (taste just like chocolate milk to me) -Low carb toast with 100% fruit spread

I'm so proud of you. Weigh to go!!

SW 240 ........ CW 212 ........ GW 195........17 lbs to lose in 8 weeks. Well, I've lost 9 lbs since my original post, but I think I've hit another stall, ugh! The elusive ONEderland feels so far away!

I am starting week 7. I have been mostly eating 60 to 70 g of protein per day , and maybe 2-3 servings of carbs a day in the form of whole grains and fruit. I'm in a stall right now but otherwise I'm doing fine. I have not been eating much vegetables. Well today I thought that should change so I made a tofu stir fry with onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for dinner. I probably ate close to 3/4 a cup. Three hours later I'm starving so I had another serving, at least 1/2 cup. It is about a half hour later and I'm still hungry!!! Is this my imagination? Is there anyone out there who eats a lot of veggies and do they satisfy your hunger? I'm sure with both servings I got at least 3 oz of protein, maybe 4...but what gives,? I've never felt so hungry before...its' a little scary. I think I'm gonna go to the fridge right now and eat a hunk of cheese! Maybe it's head hunger come back to haunt me!!!

My "Patient Education" book from my surgeon states the following once you reach Week 8 after surgery: "You will need about 1200 to 1400 calories daily. Do not fall below 1200 calories a day. Limit intake of breads, grains and cereals to 2 or 3 portions a day." It has the typical guidelines for Protein, Water and exercise, but should I really be eating all these carbs and therefore calories? Do any of you have similar direction from your doctor at 2 months out? I've been getting in close to 1100 calories a day this past week and frankly I feel like I'm eating like a pig. I feel like I'm cheating and wondering if it has contributed to my stall. Or is 1100 calories REALLY too few??? Please share your thoughts. I will see my NUT on Tuesday and ask her if I should adjust these numbers and let you know what she says. Now that I can eat a wide variety of foods, I'm scared to death to eat the wrong foods or too much of a good thing! I guess this feels too good to be true: eating til I'm satisfied and still lose weight...who had ever heard of such a thing??? (I moved this post from a different forum, sorry)

Aaahh, great point Rosalind, I hadn't thought of that!

Yes, I totally get it! I've added chicken to my stir fry now along with the tofu so that my meal is a little more filling. Today I had my first full salad, with a scoop of tuna (and oil and vinegar dressing). I think I've found that I just need to have a more dense Protein with my veggies. And I think you're right, since veggies are so low cal, I shouldn't worry if I get hungry again...I can just have another serving and not feel guilty. That is one thing I love about the sleeve, I don't crave the bad foods and therefore don't eat them and now I can live guilt free! Thanks for your post, it's nice to know someone out there can relate.