esskay77

Dont add fruit until they tell you that it is ok. It might be too acidic. Though I do have to say that I did use pineapple juice in some things to make them taste better, but just a little bit. My stomach actually didn't handle other fruits right away and sometimes still don't and I am 6 months out. Just follow what they tell you and you will be fine. S

Awesome--congratulations! THat is a major accomplishment!

The Isopure drinks are a great replacement. Have you tried some Unjury stuff yet? I know you can't but when I have issues, I go back to the soft food phase and it helps. Did they just not go down well or don't you like them? Not sure what else can help but I bet others have some good ideas.

Wow. That's too bad they attacked you like that. Doing an hour 6 days a week is not too much. Follow your doctor's instructions like you have been doing. Keep it up! Sounds like you are doing great.

Thank you. That was actually the most helpful info I've received yet! I guess I am eating too much then. Need to go back to just basics.

So I"m doing a disservice to myself for having veggies? crap! OK, I can modify that. In fact, I wish I would have known before because my work cafeteria had turkey meatloaf the other day and I should have had that instead. What are people's thoughts on fruit? Specifically for a snack or dessert? I think I'm going to hear a no but I have been. Sometimes for Breakfast with an egg. No wonder I'm on a stall!!!

Hmmm. What is "dense"? (other than me! lol). My lunch almost always consists of a couple ounces of chicken and then an array of fresh veggies (red onion, cukes, cherry tomatoes, red and green peppers, a bit of feta cheese all covered with balsamic vinegar). But that doesn't sound dense to me. Hmmm. I think I'm doing this wrong. I am really struggling on what/how to eat. I'm 6 months out and am at a stall again. I am just starting to do my food log again after a few months of not doing it. It can make a difference. I realize I stopped getting enough Protein in. S

It's done. Start over. Let the guilt go but use it as a learning experience. You can't have those things right now. Period. Your body is still healing and chips can be quite jagged and sharp and can do some damage, even if you think you've chewed them well. Just forget about what you did and try to do better going forward. Your body is healing for quite some time. It is hard to follow for a while, and quite dull frankly. But it is a must. I think you might want to try some of the Unjury protein that might have some flavor to satisfy some of the savory flavors.

I feel the same way. By the way, someone mentioned that we have to eat our meals in 30 minutes--why is that? I hadn't heard that. I take longer sometimes because I thought that was better to eat slower. Is it because food starts to move through the system and empty out the pouch by then?

I think it just brings in too much air if I recall correctly.

I was told no straws too so was surprised when some people in the support group were drinking from straws and nobody said anything. Later, I asked the nurse and she said the straw thing is when you are just out of surgery and for the following weeks but now it is ok. I was surprised!

I was told no because if you accidentally swallow it, it could block up things really bad. But in one of my recipe books for weight loss surgery, they suggest it as a way of satisfying the need to chew something early on.

I also second those 3 reasons, especially the addition and getting tipsy faster. My doc has said that from the beginning. Though I have to say, they also say it is best to never drink again for those reasons. Or at least keep it to a minimum. I've had wine and seemed fine but kept it to one glass, where I used to be a 2 glass of wine with dinner. I do have to say, I had mine with dinner and I realize now I shouldn't but that is when it tastes best. Mmmm. But, I'm going to try to avoid it for a while, especially since I"m at a stall right now.

I should have started at the top since I now see you were responding to my message which I never closed the loop on. I didn't see the doctor right away because I was going on vacation (I know, not smart). The pain finally did subside but I still brought it up when I went in for my 6 month visit just the other day and that is when the doctor told me it was the stitch dissolving and it can be quite painful. It was an inch or 2 away from the top right scar. She said that is the typical one that hurts. She said that some people feel the same pain around the navel, too, though I didn't feel that one as much. She said the stitches are meant to last 6 months and then they dissolve which is what this was. but it was scary!! And painful!

Congratulations! You look fabulous! I can only hope to follow suit!

Are you about 6 months out? I felt this in the same spot and am 6 months out. I finally saw my doctor and she said that it is the stitches dissolving. It felt like there was broken glass inside. And it was worse when I touched that spot--REALLY painful! But then it corrected itself, which now I know means the stitch dissolved. They are meant to dissolve at 6 months. However, it is still best to find out for sure, especially if you are not at that 6 month mark.

Basically a stall is where you don't lose any weight at all for a while. Could be a week, could be several weeks, could even be a month. But usually it seems to be a week or so. Every body will have their own pattern. The trick is to be more diligent with keeping a food journal, eating your protein, drinking a lot of water, and getting exercise. And then, at some point, you automatically drop like 5 pounds! It can happen a lot. Whenever it does, just get refocused on what you are doing, stop weighing yourself so much and focus on following the plan and being healthy. And don't get down when you are at a stall. THough that is easier said than done!!!!

That is definitely not dumping! At least not in the dumping syndrome kind of way. Your body is constantly changing and you will be able to eat this again, just not right now. Listen to your body the best you can. Dumping syndrome would also be pain, shaking, etc. as the sugar dumps into your other organs (can't remember the process now)

Well, it's an acquired taste but you might want to try the Isopure Protein drinks. They look like juice or flavored/color Water. But they are 40 grams of protein. Once you get used to them, they are quite nice. But, they do have a funny flavor at first. You can get them at the Vitamin Shop. I've even found smaller bottles at Rite Aid but they don't carry them very often. If you can find the small bottles, try those first. They come in a wide variety of flavors. I would not recommend getting your favorite flavor to start with since you might not like it and that might throw you off these for good. The grape isn't bad. It's at least an option because those protein shakes can seem vile after a while! lol S

For me, it's HARD! But I am still new at this (Jan 2014). I have always drank a lot of Water (or wine) with dinner and if my water glass wasn't refilled during my meal and it was empty, I would feel like I was suffocating and couldn't eat anymore until I had more liquids. Now, I'm trying to use that as my signal that maybe I'm just full and don't need any more food if I start to feel like I'm suffocating and it is usually right! lol. But, mentally, it is still hard since I'm so used to it. I have to always make a conscious effort to try to drink ahead of time and after but not during. I don't always succeed and I have to be ok with that. I can't beat myself up for slipping on this occasionally. But I really am trying. And I do have spicy foods. Someone mentioned having something that is a bit watery (cucumbers come to mind--it's food but has some watery-ness to it). If you come up with some tips, let us know!

Thanks. It sounds amazing. Can't wait to try it.

How much of each ingredient? I didn't see it on the link.

What does a hernia feel like? I'm having an odd pain that I've never had before (had surgery this past Jan. so should be all healed). Also, best of luck on your surgery--can't wait to get to that point.

plain nonfat green Yogurt, sometimes I mix with sugar free jello, cottage cheese (I put in a little pineapple juice to make it taste better), eggs! including hard boiled, over easy, omelette, and scrambled. snack pack sugar free chocolate pudding, tomato soup, ricotta cheese and jello (make sugar free jello and just when it is starting to set, put in blender with 16 oz of low fat ricotta cheese and blend--put in container(s)--great treat!!!)

Also, I have to ask--what is the "drain" that some people talk about? I don't recall having a drain of any sort unless it was something in the hospital that I wasn't aware of.