mskami77

Oh I forgot to mention beans! Beans are a wonderful addition to any dish.

I have 4 kids and had my surgery 11-19-13. Believe me if anything the smell of food will make you sick before you crave it. I cooked a full thanksgiving meal, with the help of my kids/spouse after surgery and I had no desire to eat any of it. My kids ranged from 5-17 at the time but we bonded and I used the time to teach them old family recipes. It was nice and they still help me cook even now.

Born in raised in SoCal... IE to be exact but I'm in Colorado now. Wishing you lots of luck on your journey!

Try getting more protein in the morning. Then have a piece a fruit when you feel hungry. If your still hungry try a beef jerky or your favorite protein snack. Maybe even popcorn if you're craving crunchy and salty. You don't have to gain to satisfy the cravings just be creative and mindful.

This was my first major surgery and I was fine when it came to pain and mobility but boy was I exhausted! I recently tossed my full bottle of pain meds from almost 2 years ago. I didn't need them except maybe twice but I was tired until I started my B12 shots and my other supplements. I went back to work after 2 weeks but my boss kicked me out and I took another week off because I was still dehydrated and tired. My brain wouldn't function. I think it depends on the type of work and how active you are during the day. Side note. I had 4 kids, ranging from kindergarten to senior in high school when I had my surgery so it was work plus family obligations. You have to include it all.

I love the Atkins bars but the sugar alcohols will give you the runs if your not careful. I have to modify my tummy routine when I eat them

Getting regular is a daily effort. I swear by 2 FiberCon chewable tablets twice daily. They're sf and they taste like sweettarts. I pair it with a cup of probiotic lemon ginger tea every night. No issues. I go at least twice daily but most days 3 times depending on what I eat and my fluid intake.

Many prayers to you both. I lost my mother when she was 52 and it prompted me to want to change my ways and be better for my children. Kudos to you both. I'm excited to see your progress!

Saggy what???Where??? You look amazing! You go girl!

I take 2 chewable MVI(Flintstone or Costco brand), 1 iron 325 mg, 2 chewable vitamin d, 3 calcium and a monthly b12 shot. My levels are always good. Even better now that I live in a sunny state. My levels were not as good in Alaska.

Ditto Djmohr

It happens! We're human! Don't beat yourself up for having human emotions. We have a tool not a fix all. As you get further out try to modify the bad foods into good ones. When I crave a burger, I take 1lb ground turkey and season it nicely add some diced red onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper with an egg then split it into 4oz servings and bake until done. Wrap it in lettuce or a sandwich thin with fixings and I feel like I've cheated but not really. Go out with your family. Don't detach from them during this process. Research the menu before you go. If you can't find anything suggest a different restaurant. Order plain grilled chicken, fish or steak ask for lemon to add flavor. When you get there. In the meantime, try ordering soups and focusing on the broths. You may not get much out of it but its a meal with your family. You have to enjoy your family while improving your health cause if you can't then what's the point? Disclaimer- My family eats at home 90% of the time since I had surgery but it took about 9 months postop to get there. The variety was better at home than at the few restaurants I can eat at. Good luck!

When I decided to have rny, I worked in patient safety and risk management in a hospital daily with doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dieticians on a personal level. I reported to a VP that had gastric bypass way back when and was somewhat against me doing it. I'm an open book and I like to hear opinions. Then I do my own research and say screw everyone I'll make my own decisions. I had several medically educated people try to talk me out of it but they all supported me in the end. Even after I moved across country they still check on me and lift me up when needed. Be true to you no matter what and those around you will come around. If it's not your nature to stand up for yourself then find at least 3 or 4 people you can trust to support you through the process.

I use my crock pot 3-4 days a week. I make everything in it! Chicken, beef, turkey, pork...whatever! I don't really do recipes. I just grab protein, veggies and flavor. Don't be a afraid to be creative with your crock pot!

I had my surgery 11-19-13 about a week before thanksgiving. It was fine. I didn't want to eat the food around me but the smells made me nauseous. We're a bicultural family so my kids wanted mommy's food not the in-laws cooking. I cooked a full southern style meal right after surgery with the help of my kids. I didn't have the desire to eat but I was pretty nauseous from the smells and really tired. You'll be fine. I took my protein shakes and pudding with me to the family function and had no problem. Are you telling your family about your surgery? If so, it's easy. No trying to blend just do what's right and everyone gets it. If not, that's an area I have no clue about. Good luck on your journey!

Definitely, stay in therapy and stay on your meds. I struggle with depression and anxiety. I finally found a psychiatrist that is knowledgeable about wls so things are definitely improving. The depression I dealt with after surgery was from not managing my health appropriately. I knew it would be a challenge to find a working combination of meds and therapy. We moved across country before i hit 1 year post op so i definitely had challenges but no regrets. I'd do again tomorrow.

Sugar alcohols = diarrhea lol sometimes I'll eat a couple sugar free candies or an Atkins bar to keep me regular. I made the mistake of getting excited about sf Chico sticks and ate too many. I had diarrhea for 2 days.

Is it too late to join?

I didn't feel better until I got my first b12 shot at my 8 week appointment. I was so exhausted I took an extra week off work because I couldn't function and I was dehydrated.

It's only happened a couple times. I'll be 2 years out in November. I wish I dumped more. I had a feeling before I had surgery that i wouldn't.

Hey! I don't know how I missed this thread. I gotta go back to the beginning and get caught up.

How exciting! Thanks for sharing!

I add black beans to everything! I also like to eat them alone cooked with salsa, lemon and extra hot sauce.

Recognizing the potential problem is the first step in prevention. Next is preparation. Even if that means making a specific plan for those days you're caught off guard. Chose specific stores to shop from and know what they carry. Only buy those things! It helps to try to plan for the unknown. If you are in a situation to eat off plan, let it go and be more diligent next time. This is about living life not constant restrictions. Add a few more crunches to your workout if you slip up. It's ok as long you staying proactive. Good job on the nuts in your glove box. I try to keep nuts, protein shake/bar and jerky. You got this! Its not easy but it's worth it. I look forward to seeing your progress.

It's really sad when people comment on situations and they have no idea how it feels to be in that predicament. I'm sorry your under scrutiny for speaking out. I am very proud of you for doing so. The little girl in me that was always afraid to speak up feels pride from your voice. Don't be discouraged and continue therapy for self healing. It has taken me many years to come to terms with the abuse I lived through.