BLERDgirl

I started with a pretty high weight and I'm really short. I have yet to pick and actual number, but honestly I would be happy anywhere inside of onderland. WLS was just another step in my wellness journey. I had already changed my eating habits to a more clean, whole food based manner of eating. I was already exercising regularly. I wanted to get my allergies under control, and prevent diabetes since I was already in the pre-diabetic stage. I didn't have asthma, high cholesterol or high blood pressure but I knew I couldn't continue to dodge those bullets. I had arthritis from a skiing incident and the weight did not help matters. I wanted to be able to fit in an airplane seat comfortably, and possibly ski again. I know I have a long way to go but I'm pleased with where I'm at so far. My goal is to be 100lbs down by June 18th . After that I'll set another goal.

I stopped drinking pretty much everything else. I drink water first thing when I wake up. I drink coffee but not every day. I gave up soda and rarely drink fruit juices. I buy bottled water, keep it chilled and always have a bottle with me. If I'm not eating I'm sipping. When the bottle is empty, I fill it up and start again. My palette has changed since I quit sodas so I don't often grave something sweet. I'm allergic to artificial sweeteners and food dyes, so no enhancers for me. I go through 2 -3 20 or 24 ounce bottles a day.

I avoid FIber One products because they contain cellulose which is basically processed virgin wood pulp. I eat Beans because I get both fiber and Protein from it. I know not everyone likes beans. I also eat rolled oats for added fiber. I make oatmeal from scratch using rolled oats, brown sugar or date paste and almond milk. I sometimes add a bit of Protein Powder to the mix as well.

Some doctor's don't recommend them. Others follow the vitamin protocol commonly prescribed for bypass patients. Still others don't recommend anything more than a multi. Listen to your body and make sure you are getting routine bloodwork. This will tell you if you need vitamins/supplements added. My doctor is more on the conservative side so I was put on a vitamin/supplement regimen and we have removed/added things based on bloodwork.

@@nayriquerouoli - Just remember the goal is not to feel full but to feel sated. Full can be one step too far and is often uncomfortable. Hang in there. It's a learning curve but you can do this.

I found him wonderful. I followed all instructions and had no gas pains, vomiting, nausea, etc... I walked in recovery and so far I have shown a loss every time I get weighed. I honestly can't say anything but good things about my experience at UPenn. or with their program. I love that he prescribes omeprazole and colace from day 1. I haven't experienced any severe issues with constipation or acid.

Puking is not uncommon, but certainly not to be expected. I never threw up or had the slimes. I made it a point to eat nice and slow. Those are all symptoms of eating too fast.

I do lettuce wraps. Less carbs and natural Fiber.

I don't think it's a direct route to your insides. Just follow your doctor's instructions. If you notice any signs of infection call your doctor. Otherwise, try and relax.

It's rare, but sleeved folks can and do get dumping syndrome. I agree with others. Consider this a one off, but stick to your program. I sometimes feel like I have a stomach made of steel since I've not gotten sick from anything I've eaten, but I also think part of the reason following your doctor's orders is that it's good training for changing old eating habits.

I also eat a naturally high fiber diet regularly. I had my first BM on my 3rd day home post op. I'm sure the colace helped jumpstart things but I've been regular since.

I'm vegetarian and most of my foods are high fiber and plant based. I must have the stomach made of steel because I have no issues at all. I know from pre surgery life too much *Beans will give me loose stools, but otherwise I am fine. *day I over did it black beans and eggs for breakfast, bean burger for lunch and lentil Soup for dinner..... not a good idea.

Yes the pains meds and also anesthesia can do that. My doctor put me on colace for the first 30 days as a precaution starting with day 1 in the hospital. Using a stool softener or gentle laxative can help until your body returns to normal.

You're welcome.! It may take a few days to kick in. I found I tended to get heartburn in the early evenings so I took mine around 2 -3ish. Once I increased to 40 mgs it worked like a charm. Start with the 20 mgs and work your way up.

Tums is decent temporary relief, but a good PPI is better. I don't know if Zantac is better than Prilosec. I know many poster have used both with success. My doctor prescribed omeprazole for the first 30 days post op. I had to increase it to 40 mgs but by month 5 I no longer needed any.

Completely agree regarding Victoria Secret bras. I am not fond of their underwear in general, but I also had the experience of having a fitting with them that later turned out to be completely wrong. I won't mind going down as far as a B cup. So far I've gone from a 46DD to a 44C. I'd rather they shrink than sag.

My blood levels have been tested regularly. I was started on B12 supplements as part of my vitamin/supplement routine. My B12 has actually tested high the last 2 times. I'm getting new bloodwork soon and will likely be taken off the supplement.

@@Edavidson - I wouldn't wait. Either call your doctor and ask for a script or you can buy it over the counter. Prilosec or generic omeprazole.

I am 7mth post op. I take the sublingual B12. Initially it was 1 dropper every other day. Then once a week, now every other week. Likely it will be dropped from my routine.

Throwing up frequently is not good for you. The bile coming back up can be as corrosive as the constant heartburn. At 2 mths I did indeed take 30 minutes to eat 4oz. It wasn't easy but I did it by only putting a teeny bit of food on the tip of my spoon or fork. Others have used baby utensils. Additionally I literally put my utensil down and waited a full minute between bites. Slowing down also allows your body time to signal brain that you are full. When you eat too fast this may not happen and in the long run you could end up overeating again. Some people have found it helpful to use the Eat Slower app.

@@kyw78 - What is your food plan? Those liquid stages are challenging, but you shouldn't change anything without first consulting your doctor/medical team.

I see my whole team at every appointment. (Nurse, PA, nutritionist) . I saw my surgeon at my 2 week and 3 mths f/u and the other visits he sent one of his residents. At every appointment they reviewed my diet and food log.

How old are you? If you are near 50 they are part of routine care. In fact I need to schedule mine. I look at it this way, no testing is more uncomfortable than dying of cancer because I was too scared of the test.

I agree. You might want to find someone to talk about your feelings. Right now you sound a little nervous and may be emotional eating. Seeking someone to talk to now might help because once you are sleeved you won't be able to use food as a coping mechanism. Please try no to be nervous. All the testing the doctor is requesting is routine and part of the pre-op process. It likely won;t prevent you from having surgery, but it does give the doctor information to better treat you.

I went back at 2 weeks for treadmill and in the pool for Water aerobics at 3 weeks. Just listen to your body. You'll work up to your regular schedule soon enough.