WL WARRIOR

I was shocked how painful it was because of the easy ride I read about on this web site. I mean, it hurt to breathe when I woke up! Looking back, I think my operation was rushed. I was the 6th and last WLS of the day and everyone was in a hurry once I finally was ready. My mom said it only took about 20 minutes at the most. In my opinion, the surgeon was a little too rough and it led to more pain than normal. My stomach was one huge bruise for many weeks. Also, the painkillers didn't work on me since one of my daily medications works as an opiate antagonist/blocker. I would rather have 2 C-sections than go though the same VSG again. Don't let this scare you, my experience is a little abnormal compared to most others. I'm just glad its all over. You feel so much better after the first four days.

The best and worst was the thermogenic diet which included the drug Ephedra. I lost tons of weight during a 13 month time span and felt great. The diet came to an end when the drug was discontinued due to possible cardiovascular damage. About 6 months after I quit, I got rhematic fever with heart damage. The doctors have no clue what brought it on. However, I couldn't help but wonder if the Ephedra was the culprit. Years later I developed cardiomyopathy, which has brought on many health issues throughout the years. Of course, there is no way to know for sure if the drug is what contributed to my heart problems. Honestly, I think it was one of many contributing factors.

Well, tomorrow is Sunday again. I am going to the meeting even though no one attended last Sunday. Like Surfer Girl mentioned, I think I will meditate or read OA books if no one is there. As for the steps, I actually had issues "going through them properly" 15 years ago when I was in NA. It ended up that I was overthinking many steps and made a successful recovery without them. I kept going to the meetings even though I wasn't working the steps because just talking about it helped a lot. Like someone mentioned, I wasn't a hard core addict (overdependence on Vicodin) so it may be why I was successful without working the steps. Although I am religious, I've seen others work the steps who weren't very spiritual at all. Now that I think about it, I had a hard time making amends in OA as well. All I could think of was that my past poor food choices (fast food) affected my sons health since we eat a lot of the same food. When I mentioned this to him, he said, "Are you kidding, I would die for McDonalds chicken nuggets and fries right now!" The meetings (past NA attendance and current OA attendance) have helped me because I react to stress and trauma in ways that aren't particularly healthy. If I keep on top of it by attending OA, seeing a therapist, and CBT group therapy, then regression is less likely. In the OA meetings I attend, they actually have a rule against excess talking about dieting or food. We mostly just discuss our current stressors. You have a choice to whether you want a sponsor and work the steps. Thanks for mentioning the OA podcasts. I actually watched a few and found it helpful.

I started attending OA meetings shortly after my sleeve surgery. Attending OA was one of my many strategies I had laid out to help me lose all my extra weight and keep it off. My apathy was what got me up to 280 pounds in the first place and I figured that talking about my struggles with food had to help. The meetings have helped me tremendously. However, I have become bewildered and annoyed lately with the amount of members and attendance. I usually attend one meeting at a nearby city and another one at a bigger city 45 minutes away. Both of these group meetings have less than 5 members and attendance is usually about 2-3 people. The meeting today had no one present, so I had to turn around and go home. If our population is growing increasingly obese, then why is there such a terribly low turnout at OA meetings? The meetings are posted in the daily newspaper and online. The AA meetings and NA meetings in these same cities usually have an attendance of over 30 people or more everyday. In my opinion, these groups are very similar and just as effective as OA. Are people embarrassed or in denial? The meetings only last 30-45 minutes, so it can't be a time factor. My doctor told me that she recommends OA to all her overweight patients, yet none of them attend. It's interesting to note that the few members at these two OA meetings are not overweight. Each person has lost over 100 pounds and has maintained it for many years. I have no clue how to get more people to attend. Honestly, I didn't even know about OA until a month before surgery. I would like to know about others experience with OA and why or why not they attend.

The website offered free Quest bars four months ago. I signed up for an account and even got an e-mail to validate that I signed up for the free quest bar offer. Four months later, I am still waiting...............................................................................................................

I stayed in the liquid stage for three months. This wasn't without my doctors consent. It was just what I was most comfortable with. However, my nutritionist gtew concerned that my stomach would have a hard time handling dense protein if I went any longer than 3 months on a liquid diet. After 3 months, I started adding in 2-3 ounces of fish or chicken once a day. To my surprise, I didn't gain weight or get out of control. I still have a protein drink for breakfast along with two other meals that contain dense protein.

I've found that almost all methods (shaking, stirring, blending) create foam. Early on, I would let it sit out awhile or stick it in the freezer for 10 minutes. This seemed to help. Now at 8 months post op, I just go ahead and drink the foam. Its incredible the things your sleeve starts to tolerate over time.

I'm a pretty big fan of Isopure. You can't beat all the additional Vitamins and minerals, plus the 50 grams of Protein per serving. However, I got tired of paying so much for my Protein Powder every month. Although I was weary of buying protein powder from Wal-Mart, I decided to give Body Fortress Protein Isolate a try. It is less than half the price of Isopure and has 60 protein grams per serving. Plus, it contains three kinds of protein (soy protein, milk protein, whey protein isolate) that are time released. It keeps you full for a good 5-6 hours. The taste is tolerable and it actually takes me 3 hours to finish a serving. However, it is a Protein Drink that I'll probably stick with for quite a long time due to its benefits.

Before surgery, I would not lose weight even with an intake of 1500 calories a day. And yes, even without the addition of exercise my weight would not back down. I did have severe hypothyroidism, which may have played a huge factor in my inability to lose weight. When I did lose weight, it was only because I got my calories below 1000. Of course, the weight would never stay off very long. I would became terribly hungry and slip up and eat a cookie. With my all or nothing thinking, I would cave in and give up quickly after small slip ups. My bariatrician made it clear that I could eat a small amount of calories everyday and still be healthy. You just have to be sure to get your Protein, Vitamins, and Water in everyday. So, for the first 6 months after surgery, I restricted my calories to 500-700 per day. Miraculously, I didn't die from hunger or become malnourished. If I wasn't hungry, I didn't force myself to eat. My blood work was good and my energy level was ten times better than before surgery. I ate smarter and hardly ever felt deprived. At exactly 5 months pre-op, I lost a total of 100 pounds since the date of surgery. My only exercise was a daily hour walk. Oddly, my thyroid condition never has improved. I still stay under 1000-1200 calories a day. Based on my experience, I think starvation mode is a myth and you don't necessarily have to have 1200 calories everyday to be healthy. Yet, everyone is different and what worked for me may not work for all.

Someone told me that the first six months is a window of great opportunity to lose most of your weight. Your restriction is at its best during this time period and its best to make the most of it by trying your hardest and sticking to the guidelines no matter what. I didn't allow myself to eat sugar and hardly any carbs the first six months. After that, I got close enough to my goal weight to increase my calories and loosen up a little.

I've been starting to get similar comments. The most annoying comments I've overheard have been those questioning if I'm abusing drugs. Maybe I should have been more open about this surgery so others wouldn't speculate so much. I'm beginning to have the same issue with my mother. She thinks I've taken it too far. There was a brief period during my teens when I was anorexic, but that was over 22 years ago. She complained about me being too big and now she complains that I'm too thin. She will never be content and I'm not going to live my life to make her satisfied, whatever that may be. I think you look healthy. However, I believe everyone carries their weight differently. I probably would look anorexic at 125 pounds and my doctor is already concerned with how I look at 140. Hopefully, it is like someone else mentioned. That my body will readjust over time. I did lose my weight quite quickly and my period even stopped four months ago. According to my doctor, it should come back once my body gets use to this new weight. As for now, my spine and ribs are starting to stick out. My spine even hurts today because I had to sit in a steel chair for a couple of hours yesterday.

What about fish? I practically live off of baked, smoked, or grilled salmon, tuna, and talapia. Three to four ounces of fish typically provides about 20 grams of protein.

I am seven months out and not having regular periods at all. In fact, its been three months since my last one with zero chance of pregnancy. Before the surgery, I always had regular periods. I can't have another child due to a heart condition, so the absence of a period is not terribly problematic. My doctor mentioned that the absence of a monthly period over a long length of time could lead to cancer? I'm still studying up on that.

chicken nuggets? Most chicken nuggets contain fillers that might surprise you, and its not lean chicken. I am seven months out and have lost 130 pounds since surgery. The most important thing I have learned from this experience is that being disciplined to a very structured way of eating is difficult in the beginning and can be exhausting at times. However, it definitely pays off. You get use to it and eventually realize how out of control and problematic your old way of eating really was. I still enjoy eating with the family and get togethers. My food choices are wiser and now are more planned. If I am going out for more than 3 hours, I know that I need to take something with me (Protein shake, turkey sticks, jurkey, yogurt) so that I don't get too hungry and eat something I shouldn't (like my child's leftover chicken nuggets).

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I've been taking the drug for six months and have lost 130 pounds since September. My period is very irregular, but my doc says it is due to the weight loss.

I sip on my Isopure shake over the course two hours. The body can metabolize 25 protein grams per hour. I don't think 100 grams of protein per day is too much. The daily requirement post op is usually anywhere between 65 and 100.

I take a Bariatric One a Day Vitamin that I've been very pleased with. It comes in chewable and capsule. The price is affordable and the product can be found at www.procarenow.com

I've used Isopure (powder) everyday since the day out of surgery. It has helped me lose 130 pounds and I love it. I've heard others gripe about the taste, but it tastes better to me than the many others I tried. Not many other Protein drinks can give you 50 grams of protein in 12 ounces. Because of this, I've never had a day when I didn't get in at least 80-100 grams of protein. The extra Vitamins and minerals give me energy and make me feel healthy.

I ate less than 20 carbs a day for the first 5 months post op. It is hard to do because you can't eat much fruits and vegetables. My carb intake increased to 60 after 5 months and I still kept losing weight. I was certain that I had to keep my carb intake dramatically low (there were many weeks I ate less than 10 carbs a day) in order to lose weight. Apparently, that is not necessarily true. Or, maybe my metabolism is functioning differently now so that I can handle an increase in carbs and still lose weight. I'm just not certain. You may try increasing your carb intake and see if it has any effect on your weight loss. I'm sure you know that the carbs that come from sugar and starches are a bad idea. It's best to get your carbs from fruits and vegetables. Be aware that the carb count from fruits and vegetables varies quite a bit. For example, cauliflower has much fewer carbs than peas or corn. Foods like bananas, cranberries, carrots, potatoes, apple juice, orange juice, bagels, bread, dry Cereal, popcorn, rice, lima Beans, ketchup, Pasta, and raisins have a very high carb count. The book, "The Zone" is a great resource to have when counting daily carbs. It explains the glycemic index of carbohydrates in a variety of foods.

I lost most of my excess weight within the first six months. Like you, my weight loss was very inconsistent during the first two months. I decided early on to abandon my bathroom scale. In fact, I haven't been on it since my pre-op days. I usually get weighed at doctors appointment (PCP, psychiatrist, nurse), which usually averages 1-2 times a month. Getting weighed less sets me up for less disappointment and sweet surprises. I can understand why daily weighing works for some because it helps them stay on track. I'm just one of those people that let little things get to me, like gaining a pound or two for no apparent reason. As long as I'm sticking to my program, then there is no need to know what I weigh everyday.

I am wanting to know if anyone has tried this Protein shake. It is on sale until 4/28 at www.puritan.com The price is $10.99 with free shipping for a container with 16 ounces of powder (13 servings). The carbs are a little higher than what I am use to, but I think I may ease up a little since I'm near goal and this shake has so many additional nutrients that I need. I really like that it has Fiber, protein, tons of Vitamins and minerals, Omega fatty acids, Biotin, digestive support enzymes, amino acids, and b-vitamins for energy. It has great reviews from what I've read so far. Here is some info. about the Protein Shake from the web site: Nature’s Bounty® Complete Protein & Vitamin Shake Mix is a new and exciting way to get the nutrients you need most. Our chocolate flavor is a decadent Optimal Solutions for health. Each serving provides important Protein, Fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, electrolytes, prebiotics, Probiotics and more! •Immune Health** - Vitamins C & D •Bone Health** - Calcium and Vitamin D •Digestive Health** - Probioguard™ proprietary probiotic blend & digestive enzyme blend •hair, Skin and Nail Health** - Biotin •Contains balanced electrolytes and Omega-3 •B vitamins for energy Supplement Facts: Serving Size 2 Scoops (33 g) Servings Per Container about 13 Calories 110 Total Fat 3 g 4% Saturated Fat 1 g Cholesterol 25mg Total Carbohydrate 10 g Dietary Fiber 6 g Sugars 2 g *** Protein 15 g 30% Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 60 mg 100% Vitamin D (as D2 Ergocalciferol) 800 IU 200% Thiamin (Vitamin B-1) (as Thiamin Hydrochloride) 1.5 mg 100% Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2) 1.7 mg 100% Niacin (as Niacinamide) 20 mg 100% Vitamin B-6 (as Pyridoxine drochloride) 2 mg 100% Folic Acid 400 mcg 100% Vitamin B-12 (as Cyanocobalamin) 6 mcg 100% Biotin (as d-Biotin) 300 mcg 100% Pantothenic Acid (as d-Calcium Pantothenate) 10 mg 100% Calcium 207 mg 21% Iron 2 mg 11% Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide) 43 mg 11% Sodium 100 mg 4% Potassium 300 mg 9% ProbioGuard™ Probiotic Blend 850 mg *** (which contains 1 billion active (Lactobacillus acidophilus, B. bifidum, (L. bulgaricus at the time of (manufacture) Digestive Enzyme Blend 200 mg *** (Bromelain (from Pineapple), Papain (from Papaya fruit) Flaxseed 888 mg *** (which typically contains: (Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3) (204 mg Other Fatty Acids) Stevia Extract 160 mg *** (Stevia rebaudiana) (leaf) Collagen 3 g *** **Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet ***Daily Value not established Directions: Mix two (2) scoops (33g) with 8 oz of Water. Other Ingredients: Proprietary Protein Blend (Soy Protein Isolate, whey Protein Concentrate), Cocoa (processed with alkali), Inulin, Oat Fiber, Fructose, Natural Flavors, Maltodextrin, Soy Lecithin, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum. Contains milk and soy ingredients. No Artificial Color or Flavor, no Preservatives, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish.

Below is a collection of online bariatric cookbooks and recipes put together by bobbyswife. The Bariatric Buddies online cookbook is one of the best resources. You can go to Kinko's to print and bind this book because there is no copyright. @norcalkitty posted this free cookbook back in October and it is amazing: http://www.chicoweig...ookJuly2014.pdf I also found this website today: http://www.peachtree...t-loss-recipes/ Original Bari-Buddies cookbook from @WLWARRIOR http://www.mybaribud...46/cookbook.pdf Phone app for recipes from @lisacaron http://www.eatingwel...ch_ipad_android From @Rovobay http://theworldaccor...e.blogspot.com/ Found this one today! http://twosleevers.com/ Share yours! Emily

It is most likely fluctuating hormones. A dermatologist is your best bet.

I didn't give it up and regretted it. It made my first week post op even more miserable because I had to go through caffeine withdrawls (migraines) in addition to experiencing nausea and pain from surgery. It's just not worth it. Weaning yourself off of caffiiene now little by little is the best way to go.