McButterpants

I am no longer a pre-op, but I can tell you the things I did to prepare that helped me... 1. quit caffeine - tried to do it cold turkey and failed; took 3 weeks to ween myself off, but was successful (I was a coffee addict and the surgeon required me to be caffeine free when he operated) 2. I started to incorporate shakes into my day - I tried different textures by adding low-glycemic fruit and flavors with puddings and sugar free syrups. Look for a shake that you like, but don't over purchase - your tastes may change post op and you don't want to get stuck with a lot of shakes or mix you won't use. 3. I used appetizer forks and spoons - this helps slow you down and makes you take smaller bites. 4. I downloaded an app called Eat Slower and set it to chime once per minute; when it chimes it's time to take a bite. 5. I practiced mindful eating techniques - no eating in front of the TV or reading while eating. Focus on the meal and be at peace while eating. 6. I practiced chewing - 20-25 times per bite. 7. I started exercising, specifically walking. Best of luck to you on your journey. It's an exciting time!

One thing you aren't...normal!!!! You are wonderful!!!! Congrats on your doctor's visit - that is awesome. You are a success story!

If it was gonna happen, it was gonna happen to you!!!!! What a bummer! I hope you have an eventful recovery. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Even though I haven't lost the number of pounds I wanted to lose at this point, I'm happy to say, my body has changed so much. I can fit into an XL top - that hasn't happened in many, many years. I'm losing inches - my body is losing inches where it hasn't lost them before. I'm more proportionate now. I feel strong - I can climb a flight of stairs with ease, rather than losing my breath by the time I get to the top. I can walk with confidence now - a confidence I didn't have 50 pounds ago. This journey is about so much more than what that scale says - my life has improved in so many ways that are NOT related to the scale.

Wow - congrats. You've had a tough year personally, but you're doing great. Keep up the good work!

15 more miles to my goal - it's going to be a tough week this week (hubby traveling for work). Gym time has to be a priority. I did 6.1 miles on Saturday (combination elliptical and treadmill)...it felt good while I did it, but man was I sore on Sunday!

Walk, walk, walk and walk some more. I took Gas-X, but don't think it did anything for me - the walking was the best thing for me

My doc wants me on Bariatric Advantage VitaBand (berry flavored chewable) along with an Essential Fatty Acid supplement.

Congrats to you - you look amazing.

Best of luck to you! What an exciting time! I agree with Christian above - walking is the best medicine post-op. It helps get rid of the gas and you will recovery easier. Let us know how you're doing!

50 pounds down from my highest weight – UNBELIEVABLE. 50 pounds since 08/21/13 when I stood on the doctor’s office scale and saw 256.6 and cried. I have never lost 50 pounds before; this feels amazing and somewhat surreal. I have 56 more to go, which seems a little daunting as I write that number. So many things have happened during this journey – I’ve celebrated successes and I have cried at perceived failures. I have consumed more than 200 Protein shakes and logged over 170 miles since my surgery date of 11/14/13. I have learned a lot about my family and me. I have learned that I get cranky and lash out when I feel out of control, specifically when it comes to food. I have also learned that my family is very resilient to my lashing out. I have found that I like going to the gym and getting in a good workout. I feel better after a workout and more clear-headed. I like challenging myself on those days where I don’t feel like going or try to come up with an excuse to not go. I know the next 56 pounds is not going to be easy. I need to continue sticking to my plan, exercising regularly (including the weight training that I haven’t started yet – I don’t know what my aversion is…), and keep my head straight. I have said it before – the mental/emotional part of this journey is the hardest part.

Wow

Did you doc give you a prescription for a proton pump inhibitor? Some mornings I will wake up with a burning feeling in my tummy that I confused with hunger in the beginning. I found if I take an acid reducer, I felt better and that feeling went away. As for feeling full...You are still very early out, you may not be able to tell "full" yet, I couldn't and wasn't able to do for a few weeks. If you stop before the ache you're probably doing OK. My signals for full can vary - my nose might run, or a I do a hiccup/burp thing, or I feel a jab in my stomach. At 10 weeks out, I try not to eat to that point of being full. I try to eat to the point of getting rid of my hunger, rather than feeling full.

Plain Water - have no idea why, but it's like swallowing liquid sandpaper. Greek yogurt - I wasn't a huge fan prior to surgery, but I can't stand the texture. I can have a dollop, like on top of my Mexican bake instead of sour cream, but to eat a sweet Greek Yogurt out of the container, I can't do it. Other than that, I have been able to tolerate anything I've thrown at my sleeve.

I'm laughing at that ^^^^

I agree with Kindle above...My husband and son eat tortilla chips - it's a slider food for me. I told them I need them to put the bag of chips away and not leave the open bag on the counter. I also have a cabinet where my food is - it's all mine and I get to pick Snacks from that area. It has my Protein bars, puddings, hot chocolates, decaf coffees, Protein shakes, etc. This gives me one place to go to get my snacks.

I still struggle with plain Water - pre-surgery I was all about water. Loved it - plain water from the tap. Since surgery, I cannot stomach plain water. I try, but I just can't do it. It's like sandpaper going down. I drink Propel Zero and recently started putting in Real Orange or Real Lemon packets in it. It's better.

I think the granola bars are an issue - they are high in carbs and fat. Have you tried Quest bars? They are high in Protein. There are other bars as well - I have 2 I like from Health Wise (www.mybariatricpantry.com) that are 15 grams of protein and while they have carbs, they have Fiber which counteracts the impact on insulin release. Fruit has sugars - that could be bothersome as well. What kind of fruit and how much? Also, look at the salads you're having? Your salads should have plenty of protein - in fact, the lettuce and veg portion of the the salad should be minimal - not like a salad you had pre-surgery. Adding eggs and/or chicken would be good.

sounds like you're doing great! Congrats!

Congrats to you! You look great. That dress is awesome on you. Keep up the good work.

I use unjury - you can buy single serving packs before you purchase a whole canister. Are you allowed to add any fruit to your shake? The shakes are somewhat of a misnomer - they aren't like a thick milkshake. I found adding some low glycemic fruit (frozen strawberries or frozen berry mix) along with some ice will thicken them a little. For my 2 week liquid pre-op diet I was only allowed about 1/4 cup of fruit per shake - I laughed when the NUT said that. Now, post op with now restrictions, I use 1/4 cup or less in a shake. I also found that adding 1/2 Water 1/2 1% milk helped with the texture. Good luck to you!

Congrats to you! You look great.

Nice!

First, there are good carbs and there are bad carbs. For me, bad carbs are like a gateway drug - the more bad carbs I have, the more I want them. These bad carbs include refined sugars, flour, etc. Things like pastas, potatoes, breads, etc. are bad for me. Low glycemic veggies and fruits are good carbs and they are full of Fiber - that helps keep you regular and feel full. They also don't affect your blood sugar like the bad carbs do, so you won't release as much insulin as you would with the refined foods. Since giving up the refined foods and "bad" carbs, I feel so much better. I don't feel bloated. I have more energy. Hope this helps!

Walking is the best medicine immediately after surgery. I was walking right after they moved me from recovery. At 6 weeks I was cleared for the elliptical and at 8 weeks I was cleared for all exercise, including light weights. At 10 weeks, I am currently doing 60-75 minutes of cardio most days of the week, but haven't started on the weights yet. I don't know what my aversion is...I'm making a concerted effort to do so this week! Best of luck to you