Inner Surfer Girl

How far out are you in your program? Are you tracking and recording your food?

I have a lot of fluid:swelling in my legs. Post-op, one thing that helped me was getting a hospital bed. I can raise my legs at night which really helps. I saw an immediate change in one of my legs post-op. The other is slower to catch up but has definitely improved.

I only had clear liquids the day before surgery and post-op. My surgeon's office recommended the ProtDiet liquid beverage concentrates which helped a lot. Also sugar-free Popsicles really helped early post-op to get in fluids.

The anticipation really is the worst part of the process. For me, making up my mind to do everything I was asked to do, even if I thought I couldn't really helped. Best of luck. The time really did go by fast once I was rolled into the surgical theater. You will be fine.

Wow. These are great! You are beautiful. Definitely something worth celebrating!

NUT is nutritionist. I was just unclear why you would only have one for the full liquid phase. Doesn't your NUT and surgeon provide you with post-op care?

I had mine several years ago and different centers have different protocols, but yes, that is basically what happens. When I had mine they woke me up half way through the night and gave me a cpap. That was as a good time for me to go to the bathroom, too. Then, they woke me up in the morning. They had shower and bathroom facilities.

I am not sure what you mean about without a NUT. Do you have a written post-op food plan? For my program, cottage cheese and yogurt were included in my full liquid phase.

I don't know why not. It is high in sodium so that could be an issue. I am 4 months out and eat it once in a while.

That sounds like a good idea. Also, keep in mind when you do start trying protein shakes that there is a large range of options and not all protein shakes are bariatric-appropriate. Be sure and look at the protein to carb/sugar ratio. Again, your NUT can provide some guidance. Keep us posted on how your consult goes.

I ordered some to try. I found the ones I tried were ok. They certainly don't taste as good as potato chips, and like potato chips won't "fill you up", but for a quick, convenient way to get in some Protein I thought they were fine. They taste more like a bland pita chip (with flavoring) than a potato chip. You can order individual bags from the Quest website rather than having to order them in bulk if you want to try the different flavors.

Not a high enough BMI and/or lack of comorbidities. Insurance requirements. Non-compliance with surgeon's orders. Health issues. Lack of money. Not being mentally prepared. Not having sufficient support. Unrealistic expectations. I can think of several reasons why surgery might not be the best option at a particular time. There may be fewer reasons why it might not ever be appropriate. I would recommend going into your consultation with an open mind and not worry too much about what might happen. Best of luck.

If you haven't even had a consultation yet, I would hold off. I don't know your situation (physical, insurance, etc.) but I have seen many people on here who have such rigid pre-op guidelines that losing even a few pounds before your first weight is recorded MAY have an impact on the approval process. Once you have met with your NUT and learned more about your specific program, then you could start exploring.

I followed the weight watchers point system pre-op and used the app to track my food. The challenge with the weight watchers program is that it doesn't help you manage your macros, so if you are tracking protein you have to do it outside their system.

No, I haven't had this problem but do feel your pain. For me, the best way not to crave starches, is not to eat starches. I used to follow weight watchers, too and know that although it has good points (no pun intended!), it is not a great program for helping me manage macro nutrients. I found that tracking food in MyFitnessPal is much better for that. If I were in your shoes, I would: recognize and Celebrate how far I have come; make an appointment with my NUT; and go back to basics (track my food, focus on Protein and Water, avoid starches, and exercise). Best of luck.

Also, drink a lot of water (at least 64 oz) and cut back on or cut out carbonated drinks and high calorie beverages.

My dad smoked cigars when I was growing up and used to say the same thing. My response to him was, "yes, but we do." Meaning the wife, four kids, and a dog who had to inhale his second-hand smoke. Even if you don't inhale, you too are breathing second-hand smoke. My surgeon refuses to operate on anyone who is not committed to staying smoke free before and after surgery. Let's just say I am surprised by your cavalier attitude. For me, getting sleeved was a matter of life and death. If this is an addiction for you, I urge you to seek professional help. You have got to find healthy alternatives to food, as well as unhealthy habits. Best of luck.

I have battled depression for a long time. Yes, I think weight does contribute for many reasons. Some biochemical (hormones, lack of exercise, lack of sunlight, etc.) as well as social/emotional (from isolation to being treated with outright disdain and hostility by others, to self-doubt, and self-hate). Like the treatment of the disease of obesity, I think the treatment of depression has to be multifaceted. As I lose weight and am able to become more active, I can get more exercise, be outside in the sunlight more, sleep better, get better nutrition, be around more positive people, be treated better by other people, be more productive, have more strength and resources to be able to manage my emotions, and to reduce stress. I also have less fat to store and disrupt hormones. Exercise, professional counseling, support groups, self-help, and medication are all great tools, in addition to weight loss surgery in treating depression.

I am still having difficulty walking any distance so I do most of my exercise in the pool. 1-2 hours deep-water water aerobics/calisthenics/weights most days (weather permitting).

Your protein goal is something that your surgeon and NUT will base on your specific needs. For my surgeon, the goal for all men and anyone with a BMI over 50 is at least 100 grams.

I am so glad I am single and don't have to feed anyone else. I don't know how y'all do it!

Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and tuna. No sugar added diced peaches and applesauce.

I am so sorry you don't have answers but glad your pneumonia is better. I hope you get good news tomorrow and an A on your exam. Happy Birthday! It is going to be a great year.

When I was on full liquids, I drank an occasional V8. When I got to soft foods I added cooked green Beans, no sugar added peaches, pears, and applesauce. Now that I am further out I still have these plus mostly fresh fruit and vegetables: green beans, squash, fresh tomato, fresh peaches, plums, blueberries, cantaloupe, watermelon, etc. I don't eat a lot of fruits and vegetables but when I do, I go for quality. I have been drinking a lot of fruit infused Water lately, too.

Did they give you any kind of post-op food plan? Did they give you a Protein target? I had the sleeve, but think the post-op food plan is similar in the first four weeks for bypass. By week four I was on soft mechanical foods. Basically everything from the clear liquid, full liquid, soft food, plus soft fish and chicken (canned chicken, tuna, salmon, etc.). salad was not anywhere on this list. I have a protein target of 100 grams a day. My goal for fluids is at least 64 oz. Google Bariatric Center of Excellence bariatric manual and you should see some good program guides with food plans.