WL WARRIOR

I'm 5 1/2 months post op and had my first foaming/throw up experience yesterday. I ate fresh kale, which probably should have been eaten steamed or cooked. What a horrid experience! I won't ever eat that again. Besides that, I tolerate most meats and vegetables rather well.

The bariatric buddies cookbook has purée recipes. To find the link, type "Recipe Frenzy" in the search bar. The original post is a collection of online bariatric cookbooks.

What if the excess skin impacts you mentally/emotionally? Do you think that is just cause for insurance coverage of a TT? JerseyCityGal, I agree with your statement. If I never gained 70 pounds during my pregnancy before my sleeve surgery, my stomach wouldn't be in such bad shape. Although I'm sure thousands of women that DO get insurance coverage for plastics after bariatric surgery have had a pregnancy beforehand.

I meant bariatric, not geriatric. Darn spell check!

I am in a WLS support group that consists of 8 people that underwent geriatric surgery in Oct. 2014. Of these 8 people, I was the only one who chose the sleeve. The rest underwent gastric bypass. My bariatric doctor promotes gastric bypass because he doesn't have much of a history working with sleeve patients (not many choose that route). I wanted the sleeve because I was worried about anemia, in which I have a history. I want to be able to fully absorb my Vitamins and medications. Also, I knew that with enough determination, I could be just as successful no matter what kind of procedure I chose. In the end, I was right. I've lost more than anyone so far in my October surgery support group. I lost 100 pounds at my 5 month mark (since surgery) and a total of 110 since my pre op diet. It's all about the amount of work you put into it. It is also my opinion that gastric bypass patients SOMETIMES look more haggard and seem to age quicker than sleeve/lap band post op patients. You have to ask yourself how important the malabsorption factor is to you and your well being for the rest of your life.

My dietician requires post op patients to give up yogurt after month 6. I understand her reasoning, but it's hard to give up one of the few foods you see as a treat. It is a slider food (easy to use to eat around your sleeve, doesn't fill you up for very long). However, I find it to be a better choice versus sugar free pudding when I really need something sweet. The yogurt I was using was the 0% Fage. Also, I don't see a problem including it in your meal plan if you are staying within your calorie, carb, and Protein guidelines. I think dietitians (nutritionists) need to realize that some requirements should really just be recommendations. Certain rules (like the no yogurt requirement) are not a one size fits all.

My whole stomach and abdomen was one large bruise that was the same color as yours. It showed up around 3 days post op and slowly faded to yellow over the next week. I just assumed that the surgeon was in a hurry and rough when completing my surgery.

I know what you are thinking. Who would eat food from a dollar store? Can food that only cost $1 be good? The answer is yes! Not only is it good, but their is a good selection of high Protein food sources. I live in central Missouri and shopped at my local Dollar Tree store for some inexpensive food for my post of Bariatric Eating plan. Yes, the food brands are a little obscure and come in small packages, but I didn't notice any taste difference compared to a large grocery store. Some of the canned meat was average to below average. Below is a list of exceptional food (for only $1) that are also high in protein: 1. Frozen Salmon Fillets-4 oz., 21 grams protein, 120 calories 2. Frozen Flounder Fillets-4 oz. 18 grams protein, 80 calories 3. Frozen Scallops 4 oz., 18 grams protein, 60 calories 4. Frozen Shrimp (I ate this already, so I don't have the label) 5. Butterball Smoked Turkey Sticks (1 long stick is 60 cal., 8 grams protein, you can also purchase these in a 12 pack at Wal-Mart) 6. Turkey Bacon 9 slices (1 slice is 30 calories, 5 grams protein) 7. Deli Meat (ham, turkey, pepperoni) American, Swiss, mozzarella cheese (These are tasty Dollar Tree protein sources that I frequently buy for my kid to eat) 8. Canned Sardines (in Water, no label) 9. Canned Mackerel Fillets (4 oz., 14 grams protein) The Dollar Tree website does not list food that is carried in the store and I'm sure not the same food is carried in every store. What is your experience eating dollar store food? Do you have any dollar store protein favorites?

I went out shopping last night and noticed that Kroger and Wal-Mart carry frozen fish from China. I've always assumed that lots of our frozen fish was imported from China, so this wasn't a surprise. The dollar store frozen fish is from China and distributed in California. Like someone else mentioned, the fish should be inspected and regulated there. I'll have to research this further. With the shortage in fish and rising prices, it is probably cheaper for stores to buy from China. Like I mentioned in the original post, some of the dollar store canned meat is below average and tastes funny. I do wonder what is added and/or substituted in that stuff.

I do actually have quite a lot of money in my retirement account. The only issue with that is the fact that they reduce your total amount available if you try to take out funds before retirement age. For example, if I had $50,000 in retirement funds and wanted to withdraw $15,000 for plastic surgery, then I have to pay a $5,000 penalty. I know, it doesn't make sense. I just turned 38, which is no where near 63 (retirement age). But I hate to imagine what I will look like at 63 with even more loose skin on top of this. Using retirement funds is a good idea, but I need to ponder more if it is worth it. I don't need shape wear because my deflated tummy and boobs are not noticeable with clothes on. My abdomen skin does not hang very low, it is just wrinkled. My abdomen stretch marks, although white and faded, only worsen this deflated look. If I took a picture of my boobs (don't worry I won't) and sent them to you; I guarantee you would grimace and say, "Ewwww...that's not natural." I'm going to try to get down to 140, do some abdomen strength training, and then seriously consider using my retirement funding if there is no other way.

Same here as well. There is no way I can afford it. I am a single mom on a teacher's salary. I only have two more classes left to finish my master's degree, but have been putting it off because I can't even afford to do that. Let alone the lenders barking down my back to pay up on my undergraduate school loan. I've read that only 10% of post op bariatric patients undergo plastic surgery. This could be due to lack of funding, resources, or even not wanting to do it.

I should know more about TSH numbers since I've had hypothyroidism for the past six years, but I don't. Usually, I just pay attention to the words "low, normal, high" on my thyroid blood test. Have you thought about switching to a different thyroid med? Some people find that Armour thyroid works wonders. My last test at 5 months post op showed my TSH in a normal range. Which means that I have to stay on my medicine. I was actually hyperthyroid for three years before I became hypothyroid. It's crazy to go from weighing 110 pounds to 240 in a three year time frame. Do you have some of the more severe symptoms of hypothyroidism?

All I can say is that I relate. I was too ashamed of my body when I started gaining weight eight years ago to start dating again. Even after losing 110 pounds, I still can't find the courage to date because my abdomen and boobs are so deflated. I had this surgery to get healthy, but kind of assumed confidence would go along with it. Maybe it will get a little better with strength training and more weight loss, but I have to accept that my body will never look like it did eight years ago. Now I'm wondering if I will also have to be single the rest of my life. Sorry for the pity party. I know there should be more important things that I should focus on.

I would look for something natural. Apple Cider Vinegar works wonders, but I would get that approved by a physician first. I'm not sure if the acidity would harm a sleeved stomach. Personally, I would be weary of over the counter appetite suppressants. There are new prescription medications out now for binge eating disorder. I find Wellbutrin to help with binge eating as well. If you have a history of eating disorders, wouldn't it be better to take a prescribed medication under the guidance of a physician? Then again, maybe you don't need anything if you feel like you only need it every once in awhile. It's similar to someone who has taken Methadone or Suboxone for an opiet painkiller addiction. After a few years of maintenance, you have to eventually get off the maintenance and do it on your own. That doesn't mean you should start substituting other substances or OTC meds every time you have an opiet craving. There are strategies and you have to utilize them for them to work. If you find the need to binge, you have to divert your attention elsewhere. You can take a walk, find a hobby, call a friend or counselor, etc. I'm sure you know this and it is easier said than done. You must be very strong willedto lose such a large amount of weight. I admire your success and hope you can use some of that strength to help overcome any future binge urges.

Why are you allowed Life Saver gummies? Are they really low in sugar? Even real fruit gummies or fruit roll ups aren't very good for you. All of it contains sugar and carbs, which (in my experience) just worsens cravings for more. I guess it has something to do with the gummy substance not being too harsh on your liver? I stayed right on track throughout my 11 day liquid pre op diet. It is hard, but I was determined not to do anything to mess up my surgery or chance at success. I am one of those people that DON'T eat sugar, starch, or junk food in moderation. It is the only way that I can prevent cravings and not overdo it. Everyone is different, but I think its best to follow your surgeons guidelines for the pre op diet. You will feel so confident about yourself, the outcome of your surgery, and your success as a post op patient if you comply with your pre op requirements. You can do it!

Netflix has a season of intervention available of instant download now. There are 3 episodes in this season about people with binging disorders. Of course, these three people are all average to underweight. I agree, they need to have a show centered around food addictions/binge eating of a person that is obese. I have watched 6 seasons of this show on Amazon Prime and they never did this on any episode. I can only speculate as to why. When you watch these shows, its amazing the correlation you begin to see between drug addiction and food addiction. I know this first hand since I've had problems with both at different times in the past. Unfortunately, I've come across many morbidly obese individuals (with food addiction) that refuse to see this or be related in any way to a drug addict or their problems.

I've been having some memory and brain foginess as well. I did limit my carbs to less than 10 grams a day (many days were less than 5) and my doctor said that it probably has something to do with it. I did my own research and she was right. Carbohydrates are necessary for brain function. I've raised my daily carb intake and have noticed some benefits in thought clarity and memory.

Yes, I forgot about calcium citrate. It is not included because it interferes with the Iron in the bariatric one-a-day. You are suppose to take your calcium citrate a few hours before or after the one-a-day bariatric Vitamin. My recent blood work showed that my calcium levels were above normal range, so I haven't actually started taking calcium citrate supplements yet. My bariatric doctor recommended adding it eventually to be on the safe side. Calcium supplementation is recommended for everyone, even if you never had surgery. So, I know it is important. I am having trouble finding the high dose calcium citrate for under $10. Like most people, I'm on a budget and I already spend more than enough on Protein powder.

I was a little weary about buying Vitamins from my bariatric center. Like wannaBthinsoon mentioned, I thought they were just trying to make more money off of me. After I did some research and experienced some trial and error with other brands, I decided to give their Vitamin a try. I'm glad I did because I feel great now and my blood work is in a healthy range at five months post op. Also, I haven't had any hair loss. The vitamin is a one a day capsule or chewable formulated by the University of Missouri Bariatric center. One capsule contains all the required supplement needs for sleeve, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch patients. It also has added nutrients like Biotin to prevent hair loss. It's called "Bariatric One-a-Day" and you can find it at www.procarenow.com. A 90 day supply is $34.99. I don't make money promoting this vitamin. I just wanted to help others out who are trying to find a reliable bariatric vitamin. There really isn't much of an excuse to not take your vitamins when all you need is one daily.

I just got done reading "The Zone" by Barry Sears and it was quite an eye opener. It explains the science behind why dietary fat does NOT make us fat. It's a valuable resource and something I wish I would have read years ago when the weight loss industry was telling us to eat more carbs to lose weight. The Zone eating plan does coincide with the post op bariatric eating plan, so it's definitely a must read.

Great article! I downloaded the HIIT app and plan on using it to accelerate my exercise routine along with the BJ Gaddour 10 minute Torcher Video (mentioned in the article). Although I'm not a fan of torturous exercise, 10 minutes won't kill me. I haven't started strength training yet, but it seems like this may play a part in keeping the weight off in the long run. Anyone else find benefits in using HIIT (10 minute interval strength training)? I do enjoy my hour walk everyday, but I don't think it does much to tone. And after losing over 100 pounds, some of my body parts look deflated. My biggest exercise failures in the past have been taking on routines I really do not enjoy. One more thing, I was surprised that the article did not mention smoking. I know countless post op patients that go back to smoking daily a few months after surgery.

Yes, I've lost 100 pounds in 5 months and am still continuing to lose.

I just watched "My Big Fat Operation" on the Discovery Life channel (channel 261). It was a good show and did show the mental side to surgery. I was a little aggravated that one girl celebrated her 3 month mark by enjoying cocktails at a bar. There was no mention that you shouldn't consume alcohol after surgery. It leads others to believe that it is a normal part of post op life.

I've been at 500-600 calories daily since 6 weeks pre-op (I'll be at 5 months in one week). Some claim that this is starvation mode, but I don't think that applies to everyone. I'm just so use to this kind of daily of intake everyday, that I don't feel like a I'm starving. I DON'T eat if I'm not hungry and my bariatrician agreed that 500 daily calories is not too low as long as I get my Vitamins and 80 grams of Protein in. I eat three meals a day: 1. Isopure Protein Drink (210 cal, 50 gr protein, 0 carb) 2. Tuna, Salmon, or Flounder, 3 oz. (90 cal, 15 pro, 0 carb) 3. chicken, turkey, seafood, or beef, 3 oz. + 1/2 cup veg. (200 cal, 20 pro, 5-10 carbs) 4. Fage Total 0% 1/2 cup Late night snack (Fri/Sat/Sun only) (65 cal, 12 pro, 4 carbs) If I'm hungry in the middle of the night or can't sleep, I eat a few small Vlasic dill pickles (0 cal, 0 pro, 0 carbs) So, my total everyday comes to 500-600 calories, 5-14 carbs, 85-89 grams protein. I walk an hour everyday and do Pilate's a few times a week. There are some days when I am busy and only get in 40 fl oz of Water. I need to work on it. I do skip my Pilates on extremely hectic days, so I'm not perfect by any means. My daily hour of walking, however, was stayed quite consistent. I don't track daily because I stick to the same eating schedule everyday. Yes, it can get boring, but I'm quite use to it. It will change once I hit maintenance, which hopefully will be in 2-3 months. I can change up my eating plan a little then and hopefully add some more carbs. My carb and calorie intake is lower than most because I have hypothyroidism. It makes losing a little more difficult. I will stall if my carbs go over 25 grams. Losing 100 pounds in 5 months has been hard work even with the help of this tool. I don't think I'll hit my goal weight by month 6 post op, but it is close enough for now. I don't know what I could possibly change to make the weight come off any faster.

I've been at 500-600 calories daily since 6 weeks pre-op (I'll be at 5 months in one week). Some claim that this is starvation mode, but I don't think that applies to everyone. I'm just so use to this kind of daily of intake everyday, that I don't feel like a I'm starving. I DON'T eat if I'm not hungry and my bariatrician agreed that 500 daily calories is not too low as long as I get my Vitamins and 80 grams of Protein in. I eat three meals a day: 1. Isopure Protein Drink (210 cal, 50 gr protein, 0 carb) 2. Tuna, Salmon, or Flounder, 3 oz. (90 cal, 15 pro, 0 carb) 3. chicken, turkey, seafood, or beef, 3 oz. + 1/2 cup veg. (200 cal, 20 pro, 5-10 carbs) 4. Fage Total 0% 1/2 cup Late night snack (Fri/Sat/Sun only) (65 cal, 12 pro, 4 carbs) If I'm hungry in the middle of the night or can't sleep, I eat a few small Vlasic dill pickles (0 cal, 0 pro, 0 carbs) So, my total everyday comes to 500-600 calories, 5-14 carbs, 85-89 grams protein. I walk an hour everyday and do Pilate's a few times a week. There are some days when I am busy and only get in 40 fl oz of Water. I need to work on it. I don't track daily because I stick to the same eating schedule everyday. Yes, it can get boring, but I'm quite use to it. It will change once I hit maintenance, which hopefully will be in 2-3 months. By the way, sleep is important. There are too many good research studies showing the correlation between adequate sleep and weight loss to think otherwise.