samuelsmom

Good Luck to all of you having surgery this week! I hope you have an easy surgery and quick recovery!

I don't know if you are on solids yet- but I buy small bars of dark chocolate (70% cacao) and they are wonderful. They satisfy and then I don't crave sweet stuff. I did run this by my dietitian who thought it was a good idea.

I don't know, however, it sounds like this is a new problem. Maybe a stricture? While we can give support and encouragement, you need to see your surgeon, sooner rather than later. Since there are a few things you can tolerate I would STRONGLY suggest you have only these items to maintain your nutritional balance and mitigate the effects on your esophagus from all this regurgitation. Good luck to you.

Forgive me if I rant, but this stuff drives me crazy. Obesity is a disease. Nobody disputes that. However, when seeking treatment, you have to jump through hoops and it makes me nuts! Keep at it and good luck to you!

You had more work done than the rest of us as you had the band removed so that might be why you are feeling more pain. That being said, I think it's always wise to get it checked out. Good luck at the doctor's.

@@lifelongSolution Thanks. I don't know what it is but there are days it is easy and then days where it is really hard! At about 3 months out I had a rough patch and started doing a day of liquids once a week and that really helped. I wasn't as hungry and felt more in control. I don't do it all the time, just when I need it.

I have found that doing a liquid day or 2 helps me reset. Get or make your favorite Protein shakes and have them and a lot of Water for a day, preferably 2. Then go back to basics- protein first, chewing thoroughly etc. There's other great tips in the posts above. Good Luck to you!

@sunflowerchild Thanks for recommending this. I bought it last week at Giant right with all the other milk. Tasted great!

@ssourgirl How's it going? Hope she is feeling better this morning.

My journey, unbeknownst to me, started with my knees in the summer of 2013. It had gotten to the point that every step was painful and I knew I had to do something so I decided to try the Synvisc injections. The injections worked! I was so happy I decided to maximize this by eating less and moving more. So I started walking and developed such excruciating foot pain I had to stop (turns out I had a bone spur on the side of my foot- ouch!). Then I joined a Water aerobics class- went great for several weeks and then I developed such severe leg cramps that I had to give it up. I did try to keep eating well but portion control was always a struggle. Fast forward 1 year. I weighed myself and realized that I had gained and lost the same 15 pounds at least 3 times! And while my knees still felt good, I had made no progress towards improving my overall health. That was a turning point for me. I researched area centers starting in July of 2014, had my first doctor visit on July 28th and had surgery on November 19, 2014 - not quite 4 months after my initial visit. For me, it was just the right amount of time to prepare. You can talk with the surgeons office and take more time if you need it. This is just my opinion, but if you really believe you need the surgery, than don't wait too long- take control of the problem and get your life back. Good Luck!

Good luck! Is that 2 weeks set in stone? Honestly, that's pretty quick to go back considering the type of work you do. Hope all goes well!

@ There are a lot of factors. Here are a few to consider: 1- Is your BMI over 40 and have you tried to lose weight in the past or lost it only to regain later? 2- Do you have medical conditions related to obesity? 3- Have you had surgery before and have you had problems with anesthesia/meds/etc? 4- In your heart of hearts- do you really believe you can do it without the surgery? It is perfectly normal to be second guessing this. I was undecided on the way to the hospital. And then, after I got there, they had trouble getting the IV in. When the 3rd nurse came in to try I decided right then that she had one shot and if it didn't go in that I was leaving. Fortunately she got it in. At that moment I decided that I would go through with it. So far, it has been a great decision. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

@@Day In my opinion, physical attributes just don't really matter- except maybe for the very young! If someone loves you than some sagging skin shouldn't send him shrieking out the door, and if it does, than maybe that love wasn't very genuine. Of course, just keeping the lights out and a small candle lit might just take care of the issue too!

Sounds like your husband just took a stupid pill. I wouldn't worry too much... Hopefully it will be out of his system by morning!

Sounds like a good idea. Are you (or she) recording her intake? If not, start now. You need to have hard data to show the physician. It will also give you both a clearer idea of the issues. Also, she should document each time she urinates and describe it. I know, sounds gross but it is important. If her urine is light yellow, clear, and normal odor that is a sign that her intake is ok. If it is dark, concentrated, strong odor- that's a sign that she needs more fluids. It is also an objective finding that should be reported to the doctor. Having them think you are an over reacting mom is not going to help your daughter. Having data will help alleviate that. Also, the physician needs to provide you with a treatment plan. I seriously hope he is right and she is just one of those people who have prolonged nausea and vomiting. However, there needs to be specific plans in place. Hoping for the best!

Slow but steady! Starting weight for challenge 222; weight for Monday, 4/20- 221 Thanks

@@ssourgirl @@LSF Ok- I am a nurse (30+ years) and I think LSF is spot on. This is not a normal recovery and has gone on too long. Please get another doctor involved. I hope things turn around soon and she starts feeling better.

It sounds like you need some more information. I would recommend trying to find out the surgeons rationales and ask for any research related to repeat surgeries so you can make an informed decision. good Luck

I have been able to eat pizza since I started solid food. I can comfortably eat one slice. This is a blessing and a curse! I make sure we don't get it very often because I don't want that one slice to increase to 2!

Greek yogurt is a great option.

One of the things that concerned me with some bariatric diets was the lack of balance- no fruit, veggies, etc. Once I hit about 3 months out I started adding more veggies and about 4 months out more fruit--I find that I am more regular and feel good with the added fruit. I don't eat a ton, mostly an apple every day and berries when having a Protein shake. Works for me!

Hi there, I recently found Fairlife Milk from another post- it has more Protein. To make a great shake I use 8 oz Fairlife milk (13 gm protein) 1 5 oz cup of greek yogurt (I use Dannon Light and Fit coconut/vanilla 12 gm protein) handful of raspberries Blend until fully liquid. Very yummy and 25 gm of protein!

That sounds so naughty! @ LipstickLady I wish I had your imagination... I was thinking of oogy boys in junior high school swirling the spinach into their milk!

@@Dubai Scouser Every surgery has risks. Since you do not have acid reflux now, it may be that the band position was responsible for it. I would not rule out the sleeve just for that reason. Please continue to do your research so you can make the best decision for you. Good Luck.

I think it would be a good idea for everyone to recall that this is the "Rants and Raves" forum. Last I heard this was the place to vent pet peeves or perhaps even get on a soapbox, in a manner that you probably wouldn't do in one of the other forums. So, with this in mind, everyone (please), back away from the computer, take a deep breath, and be nice!