alc1071

My surgeon also does not have a purée stage. I went from a liquid stage (2 weeks) to a soft/mushy food stage. He says as long as we chew our soft foods really well (chewing 20-30 times) then it doesn't have to be puréed. From week 7 on I've been on regular diet and so far no issues.

Awesome job! What a difference a year makes, you look wonderful!!

Wow, you look wonderful! How far post-op are you?

I'm 9 weeks post op and have been eating it for a couple weeks now. I was able to start eating it once I was cleared for regular diet (which for my surgeon was week 7 and beyond). I haven't tried any creamy dressings and have been having Italian and balsamic vinegarette with no problems. I make sure to put cheese and hard boiled egg on top and eat that part first so I get my protein in.

I was on a liquid diet for 10 days. I was allowed 3-4 high protein/low carb shakes for meals (I used Atkin Advantage). I could also pick two items a day from a protein list (hard boiled egg, 1 cup of milk, light yogurt, 1/2 cup nonfat cottage cheese, 2oz deli turkey/chicken) and could have 2 cups of raw non-starchy vegetables. And as many calorie-free/sugar free liquids as I wanted (water, crystal light, diet snapple, sugar free jello, sugar free Popsicles, decaf coffee/tea, and fat free broth). It was tough, especially the first few days but I stuck to it and lost 19 lbs.

I like the Unjury protein powders too. I've had the Chicken Soup, vanilla, and chocolate splendor and they were all good but I really like the Unjury Strawberry Sorbet. It's really good mixed with crystal light lemonade especially refreshing on hot days! Sometimes I just don't want another milk based protein shake and it's become my daily "treat" plus it helps me get all my protein in everyday.

I started having salad at 7 weeks once I was moved to regular diet. I do put mozzarella cheese and chopped hard boiled egg on top and eat that first to make sure I get my protein in. I do find that I can eat quite a bit of salad (more than other foods), must be the consistency. I usually have Italian or balsamic dressing so I haven't tried any creamy dressings yet.

I drove myself to my 2 week post op appointment. My doctor said once I was off the pain meds I was cleared to drive again.

I'm 5' 10". You can google "BMI Calculator" and find a site that will tell you based on your height what would be a normal range for you.

I'm two months post op and here's my update: surgery date: 3/27/13 Highest weight: 287 Surgery Day: 266 Current weight: 230 Goal Weight: 170 Total weight loss 57 lbs, half way there! I've been averaging about 3-4 lbs per week although I stall every couple weeks for a week or so and then start moving again. Slow and steady, I'll take it! Still struggle a little with trying to eat too fast, need to remind myself to slow down and put the fork down between bites. Have been walking almost every day and started biking recently (hadn't done that in years). So far, so good!

I just had a follow visit (I'm 8 weeks post op) and asked about popcorn. I was told it was okay to have some but just to watch the quantity (it fills you up fast but doesn't really have a lot of nutritional value). I ate some and had no problems with it either.

Hang in there guys, you can do it! It is tough but so worth it. Good luck!

I feel the same way, the only people I told were my husband and my parents. Even my kids don't know (ages 11 and 13). I don't feel like it's anybody's business but mine and didn't care to hear all the opinions/negativity. When I'm ready to tell people, I will (maybe) but for right now it's just a select few that I know support me/my decision to regain my health.

Good luck tomorrow! Before you know it you'll be on your way to the new you! Remember, walk, walk, walk - it helps after surgery.

I'm in Manchester. Yes, I know a couple people that had Dr. Papasavas and I've heard really good things about him (about both of them actually). Do you go to the support meetings at Hartford Hospital? I've gone to a couple of them so far and thought they were pretty good. I think there's one next week (maybe Tuesday night). You've done really well over the last 13 months! 150 lbs is AWESOME!! I have heard that the weight comes off easier in the first year and then starts to slow down. What are you doing for exercise? I have been walking but just recently started biking. There's a group called Healthy Gears that rides some of the bike trails in CT. I went this past weekend for the first time and rode with them in Farmington and went 6 miles! I think I'm going to try to keep that up, I'm more likely to stick with it if it's a group thing.

The first couple days of the liquid diet are the toughest. Hang in there! Drink plenty of liquids to help you feel fuller (water, crystal light, diet snapple). I ate lots of sugar free jello and broth too. Not sure if you are allowed anything else besides liquids as each surgeon's diet plan is a little different. I was allowed 2 protein options a day and a cup of vegetables. I was crunching on baby carrots to feel like I was at least chewing something and I was putting vegetables in my broth to make a "soup". You can do it!!

I was able to do it 2 weeks but I think it will really depend on how you're feeling post op. Also I really believe that getting your protein intake up early on helps get your energy levels back up to normal. Find a protein supplement that you like so you are able to get your protein in during those first couple weeks (I really like Unjury).

Dr. Tischler was my surgeon. Where are you in CT and what hospital/surgeon did you use?

I took 2 weeks off from work. I was feeling pretty good at about 10 days post op and went back the day after my two week check up. But I think everyone is different and it also really depends on what you do for work (ie - desk job versus heavy lifting, etc).

Hi Michelle. I'm in CT and had gastric bypass at Hartford Hospital. I'm about 2 months post op and have lost about 50 lbs so far. I could use a support buddy too so feel free to message me.

Lortab Elixir (generic name Hydrocodone).

Yes, it does get better! I started to feel better about day 6 post op. Getting out and walking (even just a little bit the first couple days) really helped. Each day I felt a little better and was able to go a little farther. Increasing the protein really seemed to help with getting my energy levels back and the healing process. Find a protein drink or powder you like and that will help (I really like Unjury Strawberry mixed with crystal light lemonade). Hang in there!!

The pain is manageable, just remember to take your pain medicines and ask for them as needed in the hospital (I didn't have a pain pump so my nurses had to administer). My doctor gave me a prescription for a liquid pain medicine that he had me fill prior to surgery so I had it at already for when I got home after surgery. I was able to stop taking pain meds on the 5th day post op. As for not eating food, I really didn't feel much like eating and wasn't even hungry. I think the pre-op liquid diet helps get you ready for what's to come in those first few weeks after surgery.

It will be here before you know it. We'll save a seat for you! Good luck Monday!

Wow Janice, you really got more than you bargained for! I hope things are going better now that you are home and can rest. Take it easy and give your body the time it needs to heal, it's been through a lot. When you are able, walking helped a lot but don't over do it. I wish you a speedy recovery!!