LosingItForMe2011

I think it's an excellent idea Tank. As far as figuring out the stage of eating might be a little difficult because we all get different plans it seems but, I think you could still do it by listing the ingredients and the consumer can check that out. So many times I wanted to buy a meal because my guys weren't going to be home but, I couldn't buy them because of the fat or sugar content. Options would be wonderful! Go for it!

Well....what are you curious about? Those would be the first good questions to ask. How about some of these: How long in the hospital? If there is a problem will someone be available 24/7 for me to call? Is there a group of folks for my after care - nutritionist, therapist, surgeon, on call availability etc. Are the eating steps and food choices out lined? Have you ever lost a patient during surgery? How many RNY/lapband/sleeve surgeries have you performed? truly anything that comes into question for you, you should feel free to ask about Congrats and good luck with your visit

Oh that doesn't sound good Jenneliza. I know you were having testing done but, when do you get the final results of whats going on? HOpe you feel better soon!

welcome to the boards

I go on the scale daily as well but, I know there will be fluctuations. The only time I get upset is if it keeps going up and not coming back down. That hasn't happened with this surgery, if it went up a pound or two it was usually off within the next few days. I also remind myself that fluctuations in levels of hydration will make the scale move as well.

Not everyone's journey is the same. If you're taste buds didn't change it's nothing to worry about

I think it's a combination of hydration, being in the hospital and a very low fat diet. Mine seems to be getting better now that I can have a variety of foods in my diet.

You'll get a lot of opinions on shakes here for sure. The best bet is to keep trying them yourself until you find a few that you really like. Tastebuds seem to change quite a bit after surgery and what you like now you may not after. Lots of online stores sell samples so you don't have to buy a big tub not knowing if you'd like it. I've traded samples of my Protein powders with other folks who had the surgery or were having it so we could all try different ones. My current favorites are Pure Protein chocolate powder and Syntrax Mint Chocolate cookie (tastes like melted mint chocolate chip ice cream) I also add flavorings to my chocolate shake to change it up a bit. You can mix in a spoonful of SF pudding mix of any flavor, use natural Peanut Butter, SF torani syrups, cappella drops, SF extracts etc. I love the capella drops You can get them online as well. HOpe you find some you like.

Dang I must have been recouping and not online when you wrote this. Great job! With that said.... BUMP, BUMP, BUMP

I thought GasX only worked on the gas in your stomach and intestinal system. You've found it works with the gas they pumped into your abdomine? Or is it the gas buildup from shakes, lactaid etc? Curious me

Awesome! You can totally see the difference.

swmr - Was the chicken moist? My nutritionist said I could have fat free gravy with it or salsa to make it moist. Chicken is one of those Proteins that can be stringy so it's really important to chew it alot and to make sure it's not overcooked. Grilled pork doesn't sit right in my pouch yet I made pulled pork in my crockpot and it stayed down with no issues.

Hi Nicki! I was a little nervous too as each food stage progressed but, at the same time excited to be able to actually get some starches into the diet as well. Protein is still the main focus but, at least veggies and fruits are back as well as low cal bread if it's toasted. Lots of great, moist foods can be made now that the variety is open. Do you have a slowcooker? If you do it's a great way to get nice, moist, lean meats in. The internet is full of recipes! Last weekend I made pulled pork, this weekend I made chicken breasts cooked in salsa. I make an awesome chicken taco Soup that has chicken breast, pinto and black Beans in it. Lots of protein with that and super moist and filling.

Sounds like you need to get that Water in Don. I've had days where I've felt like that and just made myself drink fluids and eat SF popsicles to get the hydration up. Once that was back up I felt better. Some days when I'm stressed I definitely don't feel like eating but, again....try to make myself get it in and usually try to drink at least one Protein shake since it's both liquid and protein. I hope you feel better soon!

I feel better in control of my food portions and my eating. I feel like I have "help" reaching goals I want to meet.

3.5 months for me. I was considered a revision surgery because I had the lapband from 2006 to 2010.

Hello kimposssible67....I can only tell you what has been recommended by my own bariatric center. You should reach out to your surgeon/nutritionist to see what they recommend for you. From my center I'm told I need to take: 2 chewable Multivitamins per day - Flintstones complete is what they recommended and I use. I pick them up alot at Walmart or RiteAid pharmacy especiall when it's buy one get one free. 1000mcg of B12 sublingual - I use 2 500 MCG sublingual dots made by Spring Valley. There are lots of brands out there but, make sure it's sublingual dots or liquid. D3 1000 IU - I use Nature Made Grape flavor Adult Chewables. (My favorite Vitamin - great flavor) calcium citrate 1200-1500 - This one is tougher for me. It HAS TO BE Citrate not the other forms of calcium carbonate. Citrate is easier for our bodies to absorb and digest. I have two different kinds that I use and I have to take 3 in total. You shouldn't take more than 600mg at one time because our bodies only take in 600 at a time. The forms I use are only 500mg each so I have to take 3 to meet my requirements. I use Bariatric Advantage Chewable Calcium Citrate wild cherry flavor. These are ok but, very tart. Kinda like a sweet tart but, not as sweet. In this case it being sweeter would help but, it's do-able. The other one I use is Calcet Chews in Lemon or chocolate flavor. They are soft and chewy - it's like eating a piece of candy but, to me they are kinda too sweet to take 3 times a day. I love the flavor though. I've found Calcium Citrate is difficult to obtain through a regular store and have had purchase it online either amazon or bariatric advantage but, there are others out there. Just make sure you're choosing CITRATE. As far as gummy Vitamins - my nutritionist said its a no go. There aren't enough vitamins and minerals in them to meet RNY patient needs and so they don't recommend them. She was ok with gummy vitamin D3 only though. I find gummies too hard to chew for me so I went with the dry regular chewable pill form. Just love that grape flavor! Some folks do take Biotin in the gel cap form but, I haven't taken that yet. I don't have to take the C or Niacin you mention. I just had my 6 week bloodwork and they found my B12 level to be high but, I'm thinking it's probably because I just took them all prior to having the blood drawn LOL. The rest of my levels were great. Oh and you can take all of your vitamins except the Calcium Citrate in the morning together. The Calcium Citrate has to be taken at least an hour or two apart from your Multivitamin because Iron and calcium fight for absorbtion. Hope this helps!

Stalls are common around the 5 week mark and can sometimes stall for a couple of weeks. It did for me too but, it starts to come off again. If you're following the eating plan your doctor or nutritionist gave you, and getting in your Water and exercise...the scale will move. I get frustrated too but, have to constantly tell myself stalls really are expected and this process is a journey not a quick fix. Stick to it....you can do it!

My surgeon wanted me to lose 20-24 pounds before surgery. I lost about 14 pounds and they scheduled the surgery. The main thing they want is a better diet so that your liver will shrink. It makes it easier on you and the surgeon for the surgery because they have to move your liver aside so they can get to your stomach. When we diet the first organ to lose weight and fattiness is the liver. It's also the first organ to gain if we don't eat right so it's important to keep a good diet before your surgery to keep your liver the healthiest.

Wow only one night in the hospital? I had to stay two. Congrats on your surgery and being on the losing side of it Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Most bariatric center/surgeons will work it out so you can have most of your tests on the same day or at least more than one. I know mine did because it took me so long to get to their office. Pretesting or requirements for me were: All day class, called Immersion Day, that explained all the surgeries, what to expect before, during and after as well as going over the food stages. Ultrasound of liver, abdomin etc. Blood work Attend a post op support meeting Psych eval and psych visit Physical with surgeon Letter of Med release from PCP Chest Xray Nutritionist visits - 2 Hmmm I think that's all of it.

KA you're very welcome See you on the boards!

I can say I had a few days of asking What the Heck did I do to myself but, the feeling didn't last long. I think I was about 3 weeks out, an infection had set in, in one of my incision sites and I was in the process of having it cut open in the doctors office with no pain meds at all. OUCH! But after that, it came again when I just couldn't figure out what the heck I could eat and I was tired of the same thing day in and day out. I got over it and it's been easier now that the food choices have opened up. It's definitely better and i don't regret it at all!

Hi ashley! Welcome to the boards. It's natural to be nervous, excited and pre-occupied with an upcoming surgery. I can tell you prior to weighloss surgery I hadn't had as much as a stitch prior. Well other than having a baby. I've had 4 weight loss related surgeries and each time I do have to say the hospital team really took great care of me and making sure pain was at a minimum and that I was comfortable. I had the lapband put in, in 2006, revised in 2008, removed in 2010 and now the RNY July 11 2012. This last experience in the hospital was more pleasant than them all. They have specialized wards and team members that help you all the way. Even in the hospital while waiting for my surgery the docs gave me something to relax in my iv...enough that I was still awake to help move myself to the surgery table but, felt really relaxed and safe. I hope you have a great experience!

Have fun and a great time!