Inner Surfer Girl

What I have found post-op is how screwed up my diet was based on years of dieting. Pre-op, it was all about maximizing volume and minimizing calories. Now, it is about maximizing nutrition and minimizing volume. It wasn't until I started this process that I learned how important Protein is to my health. I spent decades living in carbs. No wonder I was almost 600 pounds.

I had scallops and shrimp for the first time during my soft phase.

I just go by the recommended serving on the can (if I am eating canned). My first soft food was pinto's and cheese from Taco Bell on my way home from a follow-up appointment. It took me a couple of meals to finish one serving (half cup). It didn't take very long for me to eventually be able to eat the whole serving.

Welcome and congratulations on your success so far. This is a great forum for support, information, and encouragement. Do you have any particular questions or issues?

Yes. That is one of the signals that I get that I have eaten too much.

I agree. Plain water was the hardest thing for me to drink for a long time. Try crystal light, decaf tea, Herb teas, infused water, sugar-free Popsicles, sugar-free jello, crushed ice, etc. Try different temperatures.

I would LOVE to know what studies show this. It is the first I have ever heard of anything like that. All the studies I have seen are about the importance of Protein.

I started drinking V8 during my full liquid stage. I started green beans and no-sugar added applesauce during my soft food stage.

No. My surgeon administered a leak test right after surgery before he closed me up and then the next day. I was able to drink liquids, including protein supplements before I left the hospital. I was required to get 100 grams of protein a day starting the day after surgery. I was sipping for a while. I cannot imagine that protein shakes could ever cause a leak. According to my surgeon, most post-op leaks are caused by steroid use. That's what I thought but she says hat studies show that many post op leaks are caused by people drinking protein too soon. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I would be curious to see those studies. It is my understanding that protein is critical for healing. I would think that NOT drinking protein would be more likely to cause leaks.

Even if you are on clear liquids, you should still be getting in your Protein. Try Isopure clear, ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates, Syntrax nectar, bone broth, and/or other clear protein supplements. I was allowed Premier Protein during my clear phase.

I ate (and still eat) a lot of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, tuna, turkey, etc.

I had 1 week clear liquids, 1 week full liquids, and then my third week was soft foods. Weren't you provided with a schedule? If not, be sure and get one when you have your follow-up appointment. I had my last nutrition class at my one week follow-up and that was when we went into detail, but I had the schedule on my manual.

I'm still trting to figure out how to get in enough fluids. I'm in the full liquid stage, but experiencing alot of dizzy spells. I'm getting very scared. Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App Sip, sip, sip. Set short-term goals. Set a timer/reminder. Keep sipping.

My advice: Be gentle with yourself, you just had major surgery. Sip, sip, sip, and walk. Track your food. Follow your program. If you have questions about phases and what you are allowed on each phase, then call your NUT. Make sure you get at least 64 oz of Fluid every day. Make sure you reach your Protein target every day. Avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Practice eating mindfully: eat slowly, take small bites, and chew thoroughly. Avoid processed food. Choose fresh, whole foods whenever possible. Exercise when cleared. Get enough restful sleep. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall.

I'm trying to wrap my head around just eating protein as being healthier than protein and veggies. Do you just take Vitamins for what you are missing in veggies? All my life I have been told to eat more veggies to be healthy and that vitamins are a poor replacement. Is this outdated science? As you have more room, then as far as I am concerned veggies are perfectly fine. We do need the Fiber from fresh vegetables and even some fruit/berries. Just make sure you are able to get in your protein first.

I use the Batiatric Advantage calcium chews.

No. My surgeon administered a leak test right after surgery before he closed me up and then the next day. I was able to drink liquids, including protein supplements before I left the hospital. I was required to get 100 grams of protein a day starting the day after surgery. I was sipping for a while. I cannot imagine that Protein shakes could ever cause a leak. According to my surgeon, most post-op leaks are caused by steroid use.

You may want to talk to a physical therapist and/or physical trainer. My favorite exercise by far is in the water: aerobics, walking, jogging, weights, and actual lap swimming. It is easy on the joints and the Water resistance and support really helps.

This is definitely a question for your surgeon. One of the biggest risks post-op is blood clots (the other is pneumonia). Since I live over 45 minutes away from the hospital where I had surgery, my surgeon required me to have a plan in place to stop and walk every thirty minutes. That was the day after surgery and I was taking blood thinners. A long car trip would be extremely tiring at the very least.

You may not be eating enough. 500 calories a day IS extremely low. I wouldn't worry about the enriched milk if it is helping you get in your Protein. Your priority right now is healing. Getting enough protein and Fluid is critical for healing and weight loss. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience stalls and slow downs in weight loss. Almost everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. I highly recommend that you stay off the scale, especially if you are still struggling to get in enough nutrition. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

These are great questions but really the only place to get answers is your surgeon's office. They should be able to help you navigate the specific requirements based on your insurance policy and their own requirements. Best of luck.

At my one year check up I was told to keep doing what I am doing and that I could drop most of my Vitamins except for the daily Multivitamin. I am still working toward goal.

I am sorry you are so frustrated and not getting a response from your surgeon and NUT. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience slow downs and stalls. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight you will experience stalls. You say you are meeting your protein goal? How much protein are you getting? Are you tracking your food? Are you avoiding added sugars, (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? If you are exercising you may not be eating enough. Have you tried increasing your protein and your fluids? Have you taken your measurements to see if you are losing inches? Adding: Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

You have done really well so far. I am surprised you haven't been tracking this all along. I couldn't do this without MyFitnessPal. Since you are a bloke I would recommend at least 100 grams of Protein. What have you been doing up to now? What is your protein target? The carbs and fats will follow the protein target (try 40% protein, 30% fats, 30% carbs to start). Make sure the fats are good fats and the carbs are good carbs. I avoid, for the most part, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods.

Awesome! What a great feeling. You are going to have such a great time at camp. And, thank you for making it possible for kids to have the opportunity to go to camp by being a volunteer. Summer camping was one of the most formative experiences of my life and I really think all kids should get to go to camp --- especially during this plugged-in age.