Richard Foor

Sorry PDX didn't mean to imply that the carbs were the main problem with the pasta. Just stated it that way because it was easier then going into the whole starch thing. Obviously the sauce without the noodles will also avoid the expander of the pasta. Personally I do avoid the high carb items like pasta and breads because in my pre sleeve life I was a carbaholic which had a lot to do with my weight gain. Everyone's diet needs to be personalized to what works for them in my opinion.

When I have the urge for spaghetti I just make the sauce and eat it with a spoon get me the same taste without the carbs.

It is my understanding that pretty much everyone who has this surgery is going to have some hair loss because of the shock to the system. However it appears to be mostly a temporary thing and it comes back, that being said I believe the difference that comes from getting a higher protein level early and supplementing with Biotin causes the hair to come back faster. Good Luck.

I am also a paramedic and can completely understand where your coming from about working with people who are physically fit. It always seems odd to me that people in EMS are either extremely fit or extremely unfit don't find many in the middle. Good luck.

My final realization point came when me and my wife separated, my wife is not good at being a parent so the kids stayed with me and that is when I realized if something were to happen to me she would have to take the kids and I didn't think that would be good for them, so I felt I needed to get healthy so I could continue to be around for my kids. Fortunately since then me and the wife have reconciled and she is getting a lot better with the kids.

I usually drink at least 80 oz a day of various no calorie beverages. I have not had any problems getting my fluids in at all.

Very good advice. completely agree with the need to be of the right mind set for this to work.

There is also research that show that weight loss cause release of estrogen which will make you emotional.

It does get easier, if you are having a hard time getting your liquids try drinking warm liquids because the warmth will reduce the swelling making it easier to get the fluids in. Good Luck.

People should always follow the instruction from their Doctor, the dr have figured out based on their own experiences. That being said I was on 2 weeks of liquids then started on pureed/soft on the 15th day. I was able to handle just everything I tried without problem, I did scrambled eggs, and a lot of canned meats (tuna, chicken, underwood meat spreads).

You also want to make sure your not eating to fast. I try to set the utensil down between each bite to help prevent it.

I currently eat around 900 calories a day and have been averaging about a pound a day in weight loss. When i first started onto solid foods i was only eating around 600 a day and my weight loss had stalled, once i raised my intake to 900 it resumed and has remained consistent.

Wow. I don't see how it would be possible to keep the carbs that low unless he means net carbs, but even at that it would be difficult. I really don't understand why they would say no beef, seems strange to me. also from personal experience when i tried to maintain a 600 cal a day diet i wasn't losing and since i have upped it to 900 i lose close to 1 pound a day. It is true that everybody has different requirements that help their body to lose weight and that is why the dr i see believes you have to figure out what works best for you and not use some cookie cutter style diet.

I had never heard of Bariatric fusion before and it doesn't seem to be sold many places yet, so i'm thinking it might be a newer product. Having looked at there website i think it sounds quite interesting and may have to give it a try.

At 5 days out you should probably not worry about the exact numbers but get as much as you can in. I was one of the fortunate ones who didn't have any trouble drinking post op so i was drinking 3 shakes a day for the first 2 weeks.

So I am down 70 pounds since having VSG on December 10, 2012 so though it was time for some pics.

My surgeon also doesn't say to put much emphasis on the number of calories in, but to be more concerned with making sure you are eating the right stuff has already been listed a couple times above. When pushed for a calorie range he said between 800 and 1200 for weight loss for me. When I was first keeping track I was keeping it down around 800 but had a stall, now I keep it around 900 but am not afraid to go over if I feel I need to to get my more important numbers and to feel satisfied. Good Luck.

Personally i do about 900 a day, but my Dr. has said i can go as high as 1200 and will still lose. Good luck.

My Insurance was billed about $35,000 for everything, now they only pain around 15,000 as insurance companies never pay the full amount and of course they get away with it..

If you are sitting and someone hands him to you it should not be a problem because some of his weight will be resting on your lap or the arm of a chair. Standing may not be a good idea since you would be holding all the weight yourself which will still strain the muscles. When I was in my first week out from surgery my 5 year old daughter would climb up on my lap while I was sitting on my chair and I didn't have any problems. Good Luck.

Fish has more protein then most other meats. Cheese is also high in proteins.

Another suggestion is to put sugar free pudding mix in your shakes to add flavor, I also let mine set to a thicker form to get rid of the feeling of having to drink everything. Good Luck.

I used a little peanut butter blended into a protein shake while I was on pureeds, didn't have any problems, but I don't think it would be good to have straight peanut butter till released to whole foods. Best bet is always to ask your dr or nut since they seem to have varying policies on everything. Good Luck.