terry1118

I'll have to go tomorrow. Still looking for 'the right one'. :-)

My doctor didn't require me to lose pre-op but, like you, I did it anyway. I lost 11 pounds pre-op by using Atkins shakes. It was 11 pounds I didn't need to lose after surgery. I agree, it seemed to help me adjust more easily, too. :-)

Dorian, it's good but when I mix it into yogurt it gets soggy too quickly. You could probably snack on it dry. It had a subtle sweet taste to it. :-)

Cost for two separate surgeries was a non-issue for me, too. I had already met my deductible w/the RNY so the gallbladder removal was at zero cost to me. And BCBS didn't require a pre-authorization for the gallbladder removal. I was surprised.

My RNY was a piece of cake - little pain, quick recovery. I threw out most of my pain meds. My gallbladder removal six months later was WAY worse. I used all my pain meds and wished for more! I couldn't believe how much more painful it was! My doc wouldn't do both at once. He says the longer time under anesthesia and two procedures greatly increase complication risks. I also had an unexpected hernia repair w/my gallbladder removal.

I'm nine months out. I've always been able to eat seafood like tilapia, salmon, clams, scallops, and shrimp. I also love spicy foods so I enjoy home made spicy turkey chili, hummus w/jalapeños, pepper jack and horseradish cheddar cheeses, and buffalo chicken meatballs w/blue cheese. I like to add jalapeños to quite a few foods. I can eat a little beef if it's tender and I chew carefully. I still can't eat poultry unless it's ground and for some reason I can't eat tuna. I haven't tried pork. Drier meats can sometimes be tolerated if you moisten them with broths, gravies, or sauces. Honestly though, everyone is different. You may not tolerate what I can and visa-versa. If something bothers you today it may not bother you a week or a month from now. And something you've been eating all along may suddenly make you sick (not often, but be prepared for the possibility). Each individual learns by trial and error what the can eat. Be prepared also for the possibility also that nothing may taste or smell right for 4-6 weeks following surgery. If that happens to you it will gradually diminish over time.

I don't know about you but I have always been carb sensitive. If I eat simple carbs it triggers cravings for more carbs. The more I eat the more I want. It's good advice to eat less carbs, more protein. When you do eat carbs make sure it's healthier ones with whole grains, high fiber, some protein, little or no sugar. My doc says nothing made w/white flour or enriched wheat flour (if it's enriched it means it might as well be white). Also no white potato (sweet potato is better), no white bread, no white pasta (wheat is good), and no white rice. I can't eat white rice or any product that has rice flour anyway. My doctor said nothing white has any real health benefit. :-)

Check out 'The World According to Eggface' for great ideas for all stages. Amazing protein shake recipes! :-)

It took me 4 1/2 months.

Every darn time I write something that my nutritionist says and I start it with "My 'Nut' says..." spell check changes 'Nut' to 'But'. Evidently I have an informative 'But'. Lol

I'm an avid reader so I have an excellent vocabulary and am very good at spelling. I have to admit, though, that spell check can make me seem illiterate if I don't proofread before hitting 'send'! Lol You really have to keep your sense of humor! :-)

I'll check it out! Thanks! :-)

I don't think My Fitness Pal takes into effect the special dietary requirements of bariatic patients. I ignore what my log tells me I need and concentrate on meeting the protein goals my doctor has set for me. :-)

What's up with bathing suit prices? The last time I bought one (probably 20+ years ago) an expensive suit was about $40. Regular price at Kohl's is closer to $100! That's more than I paid for my Calvin Klein winter coat! When did a little bathing suit start costing so much?!!! :-/

Dry skin? My surgery was May 30 and I began to experience very dry skin around a month afterward, even though it was hot and humid out. I also had an acne outburst around that time that lasted a month or so. You're burning fat quickly by then which releases hormones and toxins stored in the fat into your system. Lotions will help and I used Vitamin E oil on the worst spots. Try to get your fluids in each day. If you develop a visible rash see your doctor. It could possibly be an allergic reaction. :-)

As far as taste and smell went, it was exactly like being pregnant again! Lol

My chili is easy - I got the recipe from my husband's body-building website. Spicy Chili One pound ground turkey or ground chicken One envelope chili mix One can tomato paste One can black beans, undrained One can diced tomatoes, undrained One can corn, drained One cup medium salsa In a large pan sprayed with cooking spray cook ground meat till almost done; add chili seasonings and tomato paste, mixing well; add black beans, diced tomatoes, salsa, and corn. Mix well. Cover and simmer for 10 mins. Done! You can serve it topped with a little shredded cheddar, if you want. :-) You can use other types of beans, add fresh basil, chopped onion, or even a cup of cooked brown rice. I like to mix in a cup of spicy refried beans. Change up the recipe to make it your own - there's no right or wrong. Once I used chopped rotisserie chicken because I had no ground meat. It was good that way, too. :-)

I didn't eat protein bars till seven months out. :-)

I would define a 'healthy' bar as one that has less than 10g sugar, low sugar alcohol (sugar alcohol can cause dumping also according to my nut, and it definitely gives you gas), low fat (less than 3g), high protein, and low sodium. It's hard to find all that in one bar, something must be sacrificed. For me, I'll choose a low sugar, high Protein Bar even if the fat content is more than I'd like. :-)

It might be safer to stick w/chili. I LOVE my chili! :-)

I have a batch of home made chili, but this afternoon I made beef stew. I haven't had it since last year and I'm nervous to try it. The meat is dredged in seasoned flour and then browned in oil, and flour is also used to thicken the base. I'm wondering how the oil and flour will affect my pouch. Anyone know if it's a bad idea or not?

Nothing is wrong with you. After my surgery nothing tasted right to me either. Food didn't smell right, either. That lasted a month or two before gradually going away. It actually was helpful in taking care of the 'head hunger'. You quickly get over wanting something if it's not appealing. :-)

The clerk was offensive and unprofessional, not to mention ignorant. Definitely the manager should be told.

I saw my doctor this morning for my 9 month checkup. I'm no longer overweight!!!! I have a BMI in the normal range for the first time since 1985! Wooohooo! I am healthy, active, and eating right - she said I was a textbook example of weight loss surgery success. :-)

I'm nine months out. Here's some of my favorite foods you can try: turkey meatballs w/sauce, tilapia fillets, shrimp cocktail, hummus w/pretzel chips or beanitos, scallops, scrambled eggs w/veggies, refried beans, quinoa, ham&cheese wrap made w/Josephs tortilla, pizza-stuffed zucchini (zucchini stuffed w/diced tomatoes, mozzarella, feta, basil, and turkey pepperoni), sliced chicken sausage, buffalo chicken balls (chicken meatballs w/crumbled blue cheese and hot sauce), spaghetti squash w/meat sauce (ground turkey), deviled eggs, burger w/guacamole (moistens the beef), sushi (I like California rolls made w/brown rice), and crust-less quiche. A special treat? Chili nachos! Beanitos topped w/homemade spicy chili, sliced olives, chopped jalapeños, and a little shredded cheddar. I can only eat a little but it is OH SO GOOD! :-) There are many more. Get creative while making sure your food is healthy, protein-rich, and tasty. :-)