SugarFreeMe

I find when I eat liquidy foods I can get 4 oz in, but when I eat more solid foods (refried beans) I can only get in 2 1/2 to 3 oz. After that I start hiccuping and belching and I can almost feel the food going down very slowly. I think that's my que and if it isn't, it is now.

i saw a recipe for pizza except the crust was a portabella mushroom - I can't wait until I can try it off the grill this summer - Yummy..

Shannon - Have you tried adding unflavored protein to different things? I've added it to soup, tea and I add the chocolate protein to my cream of wheat. I'm always looking for ways to get it in, I was told to try to get in 10 grams at every meal. Not always easy to do, that's why I add it to my tea.

My thoughts will be on you tomorrow, but you'll do great Don't over pack because most of the stuff you probably won't need. Remember to sit back and relax a little today. The first week is a little hairy at times, but keep focusing on the losers bench you'll be sitting on come Tuesday.

Sorry girl it was meant for sugar free me but I miss an selected wrong thing and seen where you commented and wasn't paying attention. Hi Shannon - I have a whey protein I got from Fruitful Yield, it's called Now Sports Whey Protein Isolate - unflavored. Because it's whey (dairy) it's good for adding to soups (Cream of Chicken soup that is strained) and Hot tea as it gives it a creamy consistency. It has 27 grams of protein a scoop so I add 1/2 a scoop and I'm good for 10/12 grams each 4 oz serving. I also add it to my cream of wheat cereal. Yesterday I added refried beans with a dallop of sour cream. Yummy!!!!! Today I'm going to add blended cottage cheese. One new food a day was recommended so I can see what my tummy thinks of each one. So far no real bad reactions to anything except Tomato soup. That left me with a yucky filmy feel in my mouth for hours after I ate. Also later that night I had diarrhea (tmi), I don't want that again. Are you eating pureed's yet and if so, what's working for you?

I'd thought about wls for years, but it wasn't until I was diagnosed with High blood pressure in November that I had a sit down with my PCP and had a serious conversation about it. I already had diabetes and high cholesterol so once I got this new diagnosis I knew I needed to do something. From there I went to the seminar in December, first appt with the surgeon 1-21 and off I went. Surgery the 18th of March and here I am 11 days out and I don't regret any of it.

OMG Cathy - I had my RNY on the 18th (7:30am) and also have my follow-up on Tuesday (2:00). Did you not just love the nurses at the hospital? They were all so nice and caring. I also loved that everyone gets a private rooms. No sharing space, having to share a tv or listen to someone snore, although I did hear someone hacking all night long the first night. Fixed that the second night with earplugs and a closed door. Talk about a small world. Dr Guske is the best, so kind and compassionate. I'm so glad my PCP recommend them to me. Like I said, I would have no problem recommending them to anyone. AlmostHome, check on alternates to the Bariatric Advantage when you see them. I didn't question them on that, but Dr Guske did talk to me about Vitamins from GNC so I'm sure they'll give you a list of alternates to the shakes.

Quick add - I don't have to buy their shakes or Vitamins. They supplied me with a list of vitamins you can get at Walgreens and they really only worry about your Protein intake, but it doesn't "have" to be Bariatric Advantage, although as you state, they are in partnership with them so they offer that product in office.

Here's my biased opinion for what it's worth. I was referred to the Kane Center by my PCP, she and the practice she works at only recommend this center because they are a Center of Excellence in Bariatrics. My first experience with them was the seminar that like you I found extremely informative. When I went to my first appt with the surgeon (Dr Paul Guske) I was met by a nurse who treated me with the utmost respect and explained everything she was doing. Upon meeting Dr Guske and talking with him honestly, I was hooked. He is very compassionate and I never felt like I was the "fat" person in the room. He was/is very respectful and so encouraging. We talked for a bit about the different procedures, my health issues and then he asked me which procedure I thought was best for me. He was glad I had already chosen RNY, but he said if I had picked another he would have respected my decision. Thru the whole pre-op process I never felt like I was on my own. Every and any question I had was answered quickly and kindly, no matter how small or large, real or imagined in my head. During my final pre-op appt with Dr. Guske, he was very reassuring and I felt completely comfortable with what was about to take place. And then there's Alexian in Hoffman Estates. I've been in many and actually worked at a hospital but I have NEVER seen so many caring people who know what their doing. The nursing staff on 2 South that takes care of bariatric surgical patients are the BEST. They know what you need, how you feel and how to help you more often then not without you even having to ask. There wasn't a single disrespectful person there. I never felt like I was being judged or condemned because of my weight or situation. So if I ever had to refer someone, it would be to the Kane Center, Dr. Paul Guske and Alexian in Hoffman Estates. They are all top notch in patient care, compassion and understanding. Again, it's my unbiased opinion, but I feel quite confident in referring them to anyone. Best of luck with your journey

My surgeon advised me to take at least 2 weeks. I have a sit down job and he said that no matter what I thought or felt there was no way I would be able to sit for 8 hours a day in a chair. I'm currently 2 weeks out and taking at least another, possibly 2 more, depending on how my appt goes Tuesday (post-op appt). I do work from home, but I totally agree with him that sitting for long periods of time isn't comfortable. I am taking FML, but my company offered it. I'm really concerned for you when you say that everyone in your company will know what your doing if you file for FML, if they say ANYTHING to ANYONE about your procedure they would be doing something totally against the law. Your human resource department has no right to divulge any information to anyone about you, not even your manager. If they do, you have serious issues.

I try to eat before the rest of my family has dinner, that way I don't feel like I'm missing out. Since I'm eating every 3 hours, it's easy to do now. I finally stepped on the scale and I'm down 20 since 2 weeks before surgery when I started the Meal Replacement shakes. I have my first post-op appt on Tuesday, that's going to be my next "scale" date. I'm so trying to not be obsessed by it. I know I'll have stalls so I figure if I can break my habit of weighing every day I won't make my self crazy. I can say that by eating food and not drinking it, I do feel more satisfied, it's probably a mind game, but it's working.

I was so psyched to try the unjury chicken Soup because of all the rave reviews. I waited until after my surgery because I didn't want to be bored with it, so I kept it as a special treat - OMG. I have never tasted anything so gross in my life. I barely got past the smell and when I tasted it, I really wanted to throw up. I was convinced it would be awesome because every one loved it - except me. I have the jarred broth that you mix with Water - way better to me. Sorry Unjury Chicken Soup lovers. 11 days out and I've mastered Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom soup, Cream of Wheat (plain) with a scoop of chocolate Protein mix and tonight I had the refried Beans with a dollop of FF cream cheese. So far everything is going well, but I gotta tell you......Every time I eat something new I'm terrified. I HATE throwing up to begin with and I have such a fear of it with my new tummy.

Lyn, I know like everyone else here all too well how some healthcare professionals are un-professional regarding obesity and WLS. I'm wondering if you could help with this by asking your Surgeon to talk with your group. Explain to him the negative attitudes and perceptions your encountering in your class and ask him to educate them. If more people are educated about the real reasons behind the inability to loose and keep it off maybe they would have more empathy and understanding of the disease that is obesity. It's not something we chose to get, but it's something we need to fix and if the medical community were more on board it would make life so much easier.

Directly after our seminar we were given packets but told we could make our initial appts. right then and there. I'm guessing that 90% of the participants were there on referral from their PCP so we were probably all candidates therefore the packet information was for records only. The only thing they asked was that prior to the appt. we called and confirmed with our insurance that the procedure was covered.

Rosanna, I didn't bring them and didn't need them, the gas was more intestinal so I didn't think they'd do much.You can always bring them though, it's not like they take up much room. I was overpacked, I can tell you that. I only used a handful of items that included: Phone, loose fitting robe, tooth brush, tooth paste, hair brush, hair clips, ear plugs, face cleaner wipes, face moisturizer and lotion). I wore home what I wore there. I took way more then that and it never made it out of the bag. You don't even have to bring a robe, they'll give you 2 gowns, one for the front and one for the back. I was there for 4 days, one more day then expected, but still I didn't need much.

I've been on a recliner since surgery. I also had to have a Haital Hernia repaired, so I don't want to risk any kind of reflux. Maybe next week I'll get brave and lie flat. (After my follow-up with the surgeon)

Hey everyone. 10 days out and I'm going good. I still don't get all the liquids in, I try but gosh it's a lot. I've been able to eat 4 oz cream of chicken soup strained with 1/2 scoop of protein, strained cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 scoop protein, 1/3 cup regular cream of wheat with 1/2 scoop protein. Also doing 4 oz protein shakes throughout the day. My go to at this point is 8oz hot tea with whey protein, very yummy and easy on the tummy. I've been adding 1 item a day and seeing how it goes. Tomato soup didn't work well, it went right threw, but at least it didn't make me throw up. Tomorrow I'm going to try the pureed re-fried beans with a little fat free sour cream. Very exciting stuff. Down a total of 19 pds since the start of the 2 week meal replacement - I'll take that. Hope your all doing well. Have a great weekend.

My hospital sent me home with a tummy binder. I love it even if I'm just walking around. It holds everything firm so no jiggling around.

I had my staples removed on day 4 before I left the hospital, they replaced them with Steri strip. I agree the staples were awful, it felt like they were biting my insides. WOW, back at work at 1 week. I don't envy you that, I'm going to get at least 2 weeks off, possibly 3. I am working from home so it makes going back later a little easier for my employer. I can't believe your eating food. I don't have my follow up until the 1st at which time they said they'd talk about advancing my diet. It's really not a huge deal to me, I don't have an appetite or feel hungry (who just said that) so food isn't even an interest for me. Best of luck on your continued journey.

I've not told too many people because I honestly didn't want to hear the about how it was the easy way out or that I didn't need to have surgery, I only needed to exercise more. For those I did tell, I said it like this: "I want to let you know about something that I'm going to be doing. I've been struggling for a while now with HBP, High Cholesterol and Diabetes and in order to take back control of my life I'm going to have WLS. Please know that I've thought about this for a long time, I've researched all the options, talked with my PCP and also consulted with a WLS surgeon. What I'm looking for is your support because that would make it easier on me and help me to succeed." I found that by prefacing it like this it basically told them I knew what I was doing, my mind was made up and I really wanted them to support me. It's worked so far, nobody that counts in my life has questioned my decision and they all understand what it means for me and my future. For those who are simply acquaintances or co-workers I don't deal directly on a daily basis, I haven't said anything. It's a very personal decision and not something I think I need to explain to everyone I come into contact with. Hope this helps and congratulations on your journey.

That's awesome. Since my surgery on the 18th I've been able to quit with my high cholesterol and diabetes meds. My blood sugar numbers are better now then they were with meds. It's amazing. Glad to hear about the blood pressure. That's the last med I need to be able to quit. Congratulations!!!

I was given prevacid to take for 3 months to avoid any kind of reflux. The med is a capsule that I have to take apart and then just swallow the crystal inside. I did have to have a hiatal hernia repaired, that's probably why its for 3 months. Maybe call your surgeon, tell them about the diarrhea and see if they can give you something else?

I've not stepped on the scale yet since my 3-18 surgery, I've heard that during your hospital stay you will actually gain upwards of 10pds due to Water weight. The growling you hear is more likely to be gas in your intestines, I hear it usually about 1/2 an hour after I eat, so I know I'm not hungry. Make sure your getting in all your Proteins and fluids and try to stay away from the scale for a week, you're probably at a stall and you'll make yourself nuts. Relax, your body is adjusting and needs time to heal and figure itself out. Good luck.

I'd keep a close eye on it. If it doesn't look like it's improving in a day or so, maybe call them back and insist that they look at it. An infection could land you in the ER or back in the hospital on IV antibiotics. If your surgeon won't take a look, maybe your PC can help you.

Kari, I was semi concerned but I was given a scrip for Lovenox injections to help to avoid blood clots. They gave me 2 injections a day in the hospital, once home I now to give myself 1 shot a day for 10 days. At first when they told my I had to give myself injections I was a little freaked out because I HATE needles, but you don't even feel them. The actual needle is only about 1 inch long and you inject into your tummy fat (imagine a smiley face pattern going from left to right under your belly button). It doesn't hurt going in, it only burns a tiny bit for about 10 seconds once your done - I promise you, you can do this - It's really not a big deal.