Baconville

its under food and nutrition . start adding WOW!!! Thanks! YOU ROCK!!! Enjoy your vacation!

YES!! And it seems that the my typical 'meals' are no longer filling me up - so I am still hungry when I finish. I am trying to add fruit or vegis to my meals to help. I have not added any Snacks or small in between meals. Started a couple of weeks ago, and that is when the scale stopped moving. I have only increased my calories by about 100 to between 800 - 900. With the amount of exercise I get you would think I would still lose, but this just feels different. I am so close to my goal - only 7 pounds to go! Having lost 193, you wouldn't think 7 would matter! Just made my appointment for my 1 year follow-up with bariatric specialist and the nutritionist. The appointment is on June 26th, we will see what they say.

The two previous posts are both correct. I only had two weeks on pureed food, so I would caution you not to plan too much, you will still not be eating much. For me, egg salad, tuna salad, scrambled egg (1 egg), Greek Yogurt (1/2 a container) were my main choices. I was only allowed 1 Tablespoon per meal of a fruit, vegetable or starch. I stuck with applesauce, it was just easier. I went through two small one serving cups in the two weeks! Amazing how little our bodies truly need to function!

I lost about 60 pounds in the first 3 months. I had lost 40 pounds in the three months prior to surgery, so at the three month mark, I had lost close to 100 pounds total. I am currently just past 11 months, I have lost a total of 193 pounds. Believe me, life has never been so good!

I think your questions are going to come with time. Your diet will change dramatically in the first six months following surgery. You will not be able to eat enough volumn to get adequate Protein without supplementing with powders or shakes. If you are concerned about eating organically, you may wish to ask about brands that are more organic, however I think in the beginning you need to concentrate on getting the most grams of protein for the fewest possible amount of calories. I am 11 months out and am focusing more on organic and higher quality food choices, especially when it comes to the meats that I am eating. I have found that grass fed beef, for example, has more protein per ounce than grain fed beef. I have also found the same for chicken. If I am going to eat three ounces of chicken, I want the maximum grams of protein! Good luck with tomorrow's appointment. I would be interested in hearing what you learn. Carol

Sounds GREAT! I have found Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) by Bob's Red Mill. I use it instead of oatmeal. You get the fiber AND the protein. I use 1/3 cup in one cup of water and boil it down, takes about 10 minutes. I add 1/4 of skim milk and it has 19 grams of protein. I like to add some splenda sweetened vanilla syrup and cinnamon. But you could definitely use it for what you are making. I have been thinking fresh berries would also be good, but haven't tried it yet. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I am always looking for something different! Carol

I brought my Kindle and iPod. I also brought my favorite pillow. Comfy PJs that I changed into as soon as they would let me because I didn't want to walk the floor of the hospital in those lovely gowns. Normal toiletries that you would take for overnight. We were encouraged to bring our own Protein shake if we had one we liked, and I did that. Finally, don't forget your c-pap if you use one. My clinic would not operate without it, and that would be an awful reason for a delay! Keep in mind, you will most likely only be there overnight. You don't need much! GOOD LUCK!! Life is great on the other side!

My clinic strongly encourages Flinstones Complete Chewables. I just looked at it has 18 mg of iron. Not exactly sure how that compares to yours though. Didn't you clinic have any ideas other than supplements?

I began working out prior to surgery. The evening after surgery I started walking, and never stopped. I listened to my body and rested when I needed to, but everyday I tried to do just a little more. By the time I was three weeks out I was back at the YMCA. Regarding Protein, I use Premier Protein shakes which you can get at Sam's Club and Cosco. They have 30 grams of protein in one shake. In the first weeks I added Protein powder to Greek Yogurt and pureed tuna and chicken. By doing this I was able to meet my protein goals. My original goal was only 50-60 grams each day, so it was very doable. GOOD LUCK!!

What multi vitamin are you taking? Does it contain iron?

Yep, I am also 5'2". I know my clinic recommends one year after you weight becomes stable - no gain or loss. I think next summer would be the soonest I would qualify. Plastic surgery and college tuition are not going to happen at the same time in our budget!

I am right there with you. Scale is stuck at 137 or 138. I am in a size 6 or 8 and also have the skin issues on my tummy, but my arms are also REALLY bad and much more noticeable. Son starts college next year, surgery might need to be put off for a while!

WAY TO GO!!!! Keep up the great work!

WOW! That was some night and some lesson learned! Thank you for sharing your story. I am only 11 months out from surgery and have found success beyond my wildest dreams. One thing I fear is that it will all be lost and I will fall back into old habits and will one morning wake up where I was a year ago. Your story gives me hope that it will never happen! I feel too good living my new lifestyle to EVER go back to the old one. I have great tools and a support system now that will help me stay here. LIFE HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER!! Best wishes to both of you as you prepare for your surgeries. Life on the other side just gets better and better. Carol

DL is right on - as usual. My clinic told us that most people will be able to eat at least 80% of the foods that are currently in their diet, just much less of them. I have yet to find a food that I have not been able to have at least a bite of, and that includes pizza, Pasta salads, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, birthday cake, and ice cream. Obviously, I don't eat these choices very often and I normally limit myself to one small piece or just a bite. It is amazing how satisfying one bite can be! I have yet to experience dumping. All that said, for the first few months, you will not be able to eat any starches other than possibly a couple crackers. Even 11 months out I do not choose to eat many carbs and normally keep them to fruits and vegies. I had RNY and it has changed my life in EVERY way. Please don't let what this poorly educated dietitian said keep you from finding your own success story! Carol

Also between six and eight months the nerves around the pouch that signal hunger begin to completely heal and function again. It signals the end of that 'honeymoon' phase when you eat because it's part of your plan but not necessarily because you are hungry. By the way, I am just past 11 months and have lost weight every week up until now. I hit a stall about two weeks ago. I may have hit my bottom weight, but I am still working my plan until I know for sure that I am done.

Beautiful pictures! I remember when I lost a Robbie (my 17 year old son). I think he was as excited as me!

Absolutely could not have said it better. I too have a wonderful, supportive husband and family, but I owe SO much to the people on this site for their understanding and support. A huge part of my success has been the motivation and support that I have received right here. It is really hard to believe how much my life has changed in a year! My Surgiversary does not come up until June 25th. I had still been losing steadily up to about two weeks ago, when I hit my first stall ever. I am going to keep working the program, but I think my body has decided that this is it. I am great with that! I am wearing a size 6 or 8 and feel fantastic. The only goal that I would not have met is a 'normal' BMI and I am within about 3 -5 pounds of that. NEVER would have imagined that I would get here when I started this journey. Thank you! Carol

I find myself doing the same thing. I can't seem to buy a 'small'. I guess I wore clothes too small for so long that I would rather have them a bit big than skin tight. Beyond that, in my head, I just don't see myself as a 'small' - medium maybe - large for sure, but not small! Something to work on!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! My clinic is changing scheduling systems so I can't call until next week. Can't wait to see my labs. I probably won't get in until early July, and am still hopeful I can lose these last five stubborn pounds before the day comes.

Gummies are not OK after surgery for most people. They do not contain iron. Chemists have not discovered a way to get iron in a gummy. There are many bariatric supplements on the market that are complete but expensive. My clinic recommends Flinstones Complete Chewables. They are much cheaper than the bariatric choices, are easy to get, and economical.

You can also use unflavored protein powder in many different foods like Greek Yogurt, sugar free pudding, even mashed potatoes. Be creative. It mixes better with cold foods. I used Unjury and it worked well for me. I would also encourage you to try several types of shakes, you might hit on one that works.

GREAT ADVICE!!! I could not agree more. I used to dream about ice cream, 11 months later I am dreaming about Zumba and Turbo Kick. Who would have thought...

Hi Monica, I have a bike that has not been ridden in years. I can't wait to get it out this summer! Family bike ride to the YMCA, work out and then bike home. On the family 'to do' list! Carol

Look me up when you are charged up. I am at Baconville@q.com. Carol