erikaloftin

I took: Clean underwear, pajamas, socks, slippers, hair brush, tooth brush, tooth paste, hand sanitizer, cell phone, book, laptop, journal (for writing food), clothes for wearing home... and I think that was it. Honesly I never once used my laptop or a book .I slept almost the whole time. The essentials are the personal care items and clothes. also remember, most hospitals have extra tooth brushes, tooth paste, chapstick, etc if you forget.

You could always do 1/2 strength protein powder with the same amount of milk. That may help. Or mix half of your favorite flavor with half unflavored. I usually just use more milk and less powder when they are too sweet. Hope that helps!

When I reach my goal weight, I've decided to get a small tattoo with one or two words in white ink to remind myself of how far I've come, how hard I've worked. If you could describe all of this and what it means to get to your goal in one word, and have it tattooed on your body... which word would you choose?

I've heard a few different ideas, but wanted to check in with y'all. I HATE unjury unflavored. It is not unflavored at all. lol. Anyone find any better ones?

I get headaches when I'm dehydrated.

the my bariatric pantry soups are really good! and have 15 g of protein. but swanson just came out with some really yummy broths like sweet hot soup, and thai ginger.

My nut tells me I need 6 small meals a day. thinking of it that way helps you eat more.

Thank you guys! It's good to be back!

You can do it. Its going to be tough, but your medical team will take good care of you. For everyone else, my surgeon always says 2 forms of BC, and actually makes us sign a contract saying we will. So condoms, and some sort of pill, shot, or whatever. I'm married too, and it sucks, but its really important for your health.

I just love the "sweetener" syrup by davinci

Hey Guys! I haven't been on in forever. How have you all been? I want to see updates of all of you!! Here's mine! First one is Highest weight, second one is DOS, and third one is last month.

My nutritionist says to use shakes as a supplement because actually eating and chewing your protein in real food is going to keep you fuller longer. Like everyone else says, log as much as possible. It is the only way I can keep track of what I've had and how much I need. My Dr. Says no more than 90g per day.

I loved beef before surgery, and now its super hard for me to eat. It's rough on my stomach, and it takes forever to chew to applesauce consistency. I'd try turkey burger as an alternative. I love it now

Sounds to me like not enough protein, and possibly water. I know its not delicious, but try adding in "unflavored" protein powder to your soups and potatoes. Also, like everyone else says, LOG your food. all of it. It helps so much. Even 6 months out, I still have to log or else I don't get enough in or know what I've had.

I would check with your nutritionist first. I was not allowed blended foods. My DR said that even if it is smooth, certain foods are harder on your pouch even if they're blended. I was allowed pudding, Jello, Protein shakes, smooth Soups (not blended chunky ones), yogurt, milk, etc.

That's exactly it. It's a huge life change for both of you. You'll find a way to get past it. You guys sound solid

It is different for everyone, so check with your surgeon. For me, mashed potatoes were allowed at 2 weeks post op. I was on full liquids for the first 2 weeks.

I can't see the image, but from the other posts, I'm guessing its ice cream. Chances are, you probably can stomach it, but you need to think about what your triggers are, and if you will really be able to control yourself. Ice cream is a slider food, just like any other liquid. You have to keep that in mind.

You know, at first, my "hunger pains" felt a lot like nausea. It came SO fast, and it took about 10 minutes to go away after I started eating. Try eating and see if it helps. Also, don't take meds on an empty stomach. Take meds, and eat immediately after.

That's so amazing. Good for you!

My nut says not to blend any fruit into your protein shakes. She said that you need to eat them separately, because its too many calories at once. I don't think its a bad idea to do every once in a while, but not too often.

I don't understand what you just wrote... but I'm sorry about the divorce.

You would be miserable. Trust me. You will not want to be out of the house. You won't feel terrible if you stay home, but pushing it too far is SO not worth it. trust me.

My husband had the same fears. Now that I am 6 months post op, I can see why, a little. Not that I'd EVER do that either. But when you are so used to just being the big girl, and then men start giving you attention, it does feel good. Some people, if they are lacking in their current relationship, find it easy to give in to it. I find it flattering, but I'd never act on it. My husband and I make sure to communicate openly though. For example, I was feeling good about myself because of the compliments I was getting, and felt a little bit like he stopped doing that. Ever since that conversation, he has gone out of his way to say the nice things he's thinking, instead of just dismissing it. It changes everything, being open and honest. Counseling through a huge change like this is always a good option too! Because this is a huge change for us, but sometimes we forget that its just as difficult for our spouses/significant others to adapt to.

First thing, I wouldn't think of them as milkshakes. lol. You'll feel extremely let down. Its a meal replacement. There are some brands that are easier to get down than others. A good starter one is Body Fortress Chocolate Peanut butter. It is at walmart. Whatever you get, make sure the first source of protein is "whey protein isolate" Our bodies do not digest "whey protein concentrate" correctly so it doesn't really help. Another protein we can digest is "calcium caseinate". There are a few others, like soy, but those are the two most common. Just incase you didn't know.