Getting There

Yesterday was my 6 week post-op (well ok, 5 1/2 weeks - LOL). A bit disappointed that I haven't lost more. My starting weight was 265.4 (where I was when I started the 2 week pre-surgery liquid diet) and yesterday was 238.5. I've only lost 27 pounds I really thought I would have lost more by now - like at least 35. But hey, it's 27 pounds that I don't have to lose going forward, right? Plus I've been in a stall for the past few days (those SUCK!). And due to a cold I haven't been walking. OK, maybe 27 pounds is OK. Not great, but OK. The PA told me I should be getting in 800-1000 calories/day - WHAT??? I've been in the upper 500's/lower 600's for several days now - no clue how (or why!) I would get to 800 - forget 1000! She also said 30 carbs per meal/90 carbs per day. That just really doesn't sound right. I did go up to 730 calories yesterday to see if it will help break this stall, but I didn't really feel comfortable with what I ate (I had a protein bar that was 160 calories/15 gr Protein in the late evening - it tasted wonderful but think it's probably not the best choice for me right now - too close to a candy bar!). Do you agree that 90 carbs/day seems like too much? And the journey continues........ Happy weekend Team September!

I also use the clear, ready-to-drink protein drinks like Isopure. I've found one that I like that's a bit less expensive than Isopure. It's CytoSport Whey Isolate (they have Tropical, Watermelon and Mandarin). One bottle has 32 grams protein,1 gram carbs & 130 calories. I think both this and Isopure have very strong flavors so I pour 1/2 of the drink into an empty bottle and fill both bottles with water & ice cubes. I sip on these at my desk throughout the day. This gives me a great amount of protein and 1/2 of my liquid intake for the day!

There are actually 2 things you can do to control the acids that can feel like hunger. One is to take an acid reducer/controller (like Prevacid) which is OTC. These reduce the acid that is ALREADY in your stomach. The other is to take a PPI (OTC or RX). I'm doing both. My surgeon recommends a Prevacid (or similar) daily for the first 6 months - longer if needed. Adding the PPI is on an individual case basis. I had really bad acid reflux pre-surgery and while it is better now, I have found that for me, taking both helps with the hunger pains. I think it's great that you're going to your PCP - AND that you're pushing your surgeon/nurse for an explanation. It is their job (for which they have been well paid) to discuss your treatment with you and to explore your concerns. Don't back down. Demand to know his position on PPI's and antiacids and his reasoning for suggesting the appetite suppressant. Hope it all turns out well for you! Hang in there

I went for my 6 week post-op yesterday. The PA said I should be about 800 cal/day (NO WAY I can eat that much!) and 30 carbs/meal x 3 meals/day (90 carbs/day). That just sounds like WAY too many calories and a bit high on the carbs....... I'm typically at 500-600 calories and anywhere from 30-60 carbs/day. I've been in a stall for the past few days (STALLS SUCK!!!!) so I upped my calories yesterday to see if that will help.

Hi Sue! Welcome to "the Sept Team!" We're a great and supportive group!

I have one made by Salter. It's digital and I can choose to weigh in grams or ounces. Digital display makes reading it easy. Check out Bed, Bath & Beyond's website - they have several choices.

What about trying on bras in C, D and DD cups. Stuff them like a high schooler and try on different clothes and see how you feel about your looks. I think you can also try some of the "cup size enhancers" in the lingerie departments in the bras too. Even when I was a size 4, I was a nice D cup - anything bigger would have been too much. A "full" C would have probably been fine too. Good luck!

NewGM - that undercooked rice could have been the problem. Rice expands as it is. If you ate undercooked rice, there was that much more expansion that could happen in your stomach. I completely understand the hungry/eating fast dilema. Maybe sipping on a protein shake over 2-3 hours would help? I KNOW we can all make this work - but it's certainly not going to always be easy, is it?

From what I understand, you can take NSAID's/Aspirin several months post-surgery - but on a very occassional basis only. It's best to avoid them if possible. That being said, I agree with those who recommend contacting your surgeon (even if in Dubai ) Hope you feel better soon!

Scaredy Cat - what a great question! I haven't really thought about goals along the way. My overall goal is to lose 135 pounds. Next summer I really, really, really want to be able to get up on a slalom ski again. I used to be a very avid water-skier (slalom, barefoot, etc). I tried to get up on 2 skis last summer and no way. It was horrible. So next summer, I'm going to buy a slalom ski like I used to have and get up on the 1st try! My husband and I are both SCUBA divers so I see a great dive trip in our future next summer too. But I'm going to give some thought to some mini-rewards along the way - thanks for the idea!

My surgery was on 9/10. I purposely ate fairly slowly - I didn't want to eat more than 1/2 C (4 oz). Wendy's chili does have a lot of liquid though so it probably wouldn't have been a big deal to have had more if I really wanted it. When I make homemade chili it's very dense so I think I'll fill up on less of it. Wendy's small chili is a 1 C serving so now I have lunch ready for tomorrow too

I just had 1/2 C of Wendy's Chili with 2 saltines. Totally filled me up. My mouth wants more. I'm glad I'm learning to listen to my stomach instead of my mouth......

I'm looking forward to lunch out with co-workers on Friday. We're going to a cajun seafood restaurant - shrimp and asparagus here it come!!!

I also had fat-free refried Beans - I used shredded low-fat cheddar, some salsa anad a small dallop of low-fat sour cream with mine. Careful with the carbs though - they can add up with beans. Had lots of canned chicken and tuna - added low-fat mayo and pickle relish. Cottage cheese and yogurt (check out Yoplait's 2X Protein!) are easy and high in Protein. The Protein shakes are a good boost of protein when you need it. I "mushed up" the meatloaf, gravy and mashed potatoes from a SmartOnes frozen dinner. That was pretty yummy - and easy!!! I divided the meat, gravy and potatoes into 2 perfectly proportioned meals - about 1/2 cup each. oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, Malt O Meal are good but again, watch the carbs...... Good luck! It's a nice step up from liquids

Mine have red lids - LOL. I got mine at Target - I like using them because I can fill with cottage cheese, yogurt, whatever - and know it's 1/2 cup/4 oz. Or fill 1/2 way and know I'm getting (close enough to) 2 oz of meat (shredded chicken, tuna, meatloaf, etc.). They also fit really well in my cute little lady bug lunch "box." I couldn't find a Partridge Family lunch box (that's the last one I remember having in grade school )

I;ve been packing my lunch. Lots of lunchmeats and chicken salad. Green beans too. Cottage cheese or yogurt for mid-day snack. I bought some of the reusable things you freeze to keep things cold. Works great! Rubbermaid has 1/2 cup containers that I use - perfect was to measure - without measuring Going out to lunch with co-workers for the first time on Friday. We're going to a cajun seafood place so I know I can get boiled shrimp and asparagus. Yum Yum!

The FB group is so awesome! I like it because we are all Dr. Kim's patients so we're all using the same pre & post plans, etc. It's a "private group" so nothing posts on your main FB page. Yesterday I was having a bit of a down day and the support and encouragement I received was awesome!!! I'd also encourage you to attend the monthly support group meetings. I went to the one in October. It's really more of a class (Oct was on exercise) but afterwards several of us chatted and I enjoyed it. Best of luck with the pre-op diet - it's a pain but worth it - promise!!!

I like the Centrum chewables better than others I've tried. Compared with the gummies, they offer more minerals too. All of the gummies I've found are vitamins only.

Sorry about that earthquake - I slipped and fell. This time next year you won't feel a thing when I fall

I know the feeling and totally understand! People post that it's "head hunger" but my tummy feels the same as it did pre-surgery when I was hungry. So "head hunger" or "real hunger" - hungry is hungry! When I get hungry, I pretty much just try to ignore it. I'll drink some of a clear protein ready-to-drink (I sip on 1 throughout most of the day along with my other fluids). Get up from my desk and walk for even 10 minutes (hey, it's 10 minutes I didn't walk before!). It's TOUGH and I keep hoping that as time passes these hunger pains will subside. I'm on "moist" foods as of this past weekend (from pureed) but doesn't seem to make much of a difference. Going to ask about it at my 6 week post-op later this week. Good luck!

Well said Iggy - and made me have 2nd thoughts about an earlier comment I made. Looking back, I wish I had done something permanent about my weight MUCH sooner! Thanks for setting us straight!

I was looking at the "healthier" frozen dinners at the store again last night. Many of them are very high in carbs (lots of Pasta and rice as the main ingredient). A couple were primarily meat and veggies or a small portion of pasta/mashed potatoes, so they seem like a better option. My husband is an airline pilot so he's gone 3 nights/week. I HATE cooking so those nights the frozen dinners are a quick & easy option. 1/2 a frozen dinner seems about right as far as volume. Some are high in sodium. Honestly, that doesn't really bother me - I'm likely to add salt anyway...... I've also ordered a dry grilled chicken sandwich. Go home, toss the bun, portion the chicken into the 2 oz servings my surgeon recommends at this point (I'm 5 weeks post), add a veggie and I'm set. For me, it HAS to be easy......

Be careful with doing crunches! There are some exercises that those us of who have had WLS shouldn't do and I think crunches are one of them. You might check with your surgeon's office.

Mix together 1/2 C low fat ricotta cheese, 1/2 C low fat cottage cheese, an egg, 1/4 low fat sour cream and whatever flavor of syrup you prefer (I LOVE the Pumpkin Spice & Gingerbread). Bake until firm.

I understand your frustration. We are so accustomed to eating such a variety of foods at each meal. The necessity of concentrating on Proteins now really limits the variety we can enjoy at one meal. But some tough love New Grandmother - eating some of everything is what got us in this boat in the first place. As much as it sucks right now, we have to just suck it up and realize that right now our job is to take advantage of these first few months and lose as much as possible. In a few months we will be able to eat a bit more during each meal and can expand our variety. Until then, get that stupid Protein in. Drink those annoying fluids. Walk when you'd rather watch TV or take a nap. Get 'er done! We CAN do it