BLERDgirl

You can eat carbs. You can even eat breads & such in moderation. I have a long way to go so I personally avoid breàds, pastas, etc... However I do eat a lot of carbs because I a vegetarian and most of my plant based Proteins also contain carbs. I still eat out at restaurants and the like, but at home I cool mostly from scratch. I had a lot of questions pre-op and I did a lot of research in my own as well as discussed things with my nutritionist.

Today I had coffee with a scoop of Protein powder for breakfast lunch was a Hilary's black bean & adzuki burger with a bit of shredded cheese topped with a sunny side up egg & salsa dinner was 1 cup of homemade cabbage & white bean Soup. I added half a scoop of unflavored Protein Powder to the broth. I'm 6mths in & a vegetarian. According to myfitnesspal my calories for today are 741, carbs 41 & protein 92. Sunday is my lazy day so I eat light.

I would speak to your nutritionist. They aren't my cup of tea, but many like the convience. I would be careful because some of these can have loads of sodium and sugar.

@@MichiganChic - I'm only 6 mths in, but I also view the support groups as a sort of pay it forward. I remember in my pre-op stage I liked hearing from Vets. I also think since I took a somewhat unusual approach to bariatric diets because of being a vegetarian with food allergies that It may be helpful to any other people on vegetarian diets to know that it can be done. meat eaters don't realize it but listening people talk sometimes all your hear is "meat, meat, meat." If you don't know any better this can be discouraging. I just happen to be the heard headed person who never takes "No" for an answer.

It may not be the vitamin for you. I did a test run of vitamins and protein drinks pre-op. Like I mentioned earlier I did not like the bariatric vitamins at all. I ended up choosing a whole food base multi that I crushed and mixed with a tiny bit of almond butter or apple sauce until I was allowed to swallow pills again.

You may very well literally be full of sh*t. Don't worry. For some people it takes a while to get the bowels moving. My doctor starts his patients on a stool softener day 1. The pain meds and anesthesia can cause constipation. Some people also retain Fluid from the IV they received in the hospital. If you don't go within the first week you may want to speak with your doctor about taking something before the constipation gets uncomfortable. Also walking as much as possible and sipping your Water and/or Protein shakes will help.

@@lemonpoppyseed2013 - That's a good idea. My doctor has told me they will f/u for 5 years. After the first year it's only an annual f/u, but I can make an appointment anytime. Perhaps also drop into a few support group meetings.

I am almost always positive. And I am crazy determined. When I make up my mind to do something I go at it until I do.

Small pills I could take from day 1. Big pills like my multi & calcium I crushed into week 4

You could ask him to write you a script for omeprazole or you can buy it otc. Try 40 mgs a day 20 am/20pm. The pill is small enough to swallow.

Did you take it on an empty stomach? Sometimes the multi will do that unless you eat first

Discovering the Isopure unflavored was a godsend. Being able to have soup or broth w/o that horrid, sickly sweet fake taste was divine. I don't eat processed foods so I didn't care about "flavored " protein drinks or waters. My advice to all is to hang in there. These early eating stages will pass. Also if you are depressed get out side and catch some air. Even if for 5 mins. If things feel really overwhelming let your doctor know. There is no shame in getting help.

I'm in the US & never had or saw a leak test until someone posted an illustration on YouTube

You cannot take calcium and a multi or Iron together. Iron & calcium together cancel each other out. You gave to separate by at least 2 hours. Even if you aren't taking a separate iron pill, most multi have iron in them. I do multi AM/PM 8am/11pm Calcium mid morning and late afternoon 11am -ish & 3/4 ish I also take Biotin AM/PM Once a week I take sublingual B12, typically around noon

You pay for this insurance. Why throw in the towel ? Make it work for you.

I'm unclear why you spit it out. Did it taste nasty? I don't use bariatric vitamins. I did get the sample pack. I dyskinesia the texture taste if the multi., but I can swallow regular ones now. I like the chewable calcium that were like caramels but not the chalky ones. However I don't feel they are s good value for the money when I am capable of swallowing regular pills.

I'm still in my first year, but if I were u, I would go back to basics. Go back to a Protein shake/liquid Diet for a week or 2. Maybe go back to your nutritionist? . Why did you stop exercising? There's no magic words or deeds needed. Eat right & exercise regularly. Stop making bad snack choices.

@@Hertsukfem31 What kind of soup? I doubt you've stretched your sleeve with what is often mostly liquid. Why did you not stop? see also what @@DisforDavid's doctor told him.

Speak to your doctor beforehand and request it.

I'm 6 mths in. I eat pretty much everything I ate before surgery, but I eat in smaller portions. That is my new normal and I am totally okay with it. The place that food has in your life will change post-op. That is a good thing. However, I go out to restaurants, diners, eat at friends house, go to parties and the like. I just eat in much smaller portions. A family celebration I may have a bite of cake and pass on the rest, but I am completely okay with that. Because my relationship with food has changed both physically and mentally, I don't feel deprived in the least. I make sure I get my Protein and veggies in so I have no nutritional deficits. Just had my bloodwork checked Friday so I'll get results next week, but my last set of bloodwork was completely normal.

They tell you to start these things pre-op because things like soda and caffeine addictions can rarely be stopped overnight. It's better to kick those habits before surgery. I was also told to start practicing chewing really slowly until food is dissolved and to separate my eating and drinking with a 30 minute window. Those last 2 definitely were things I needed to practice. Especially eating slow. You may think you are eating slow, but post-op you need to eat super slow.

I just read a very interesting post on here. I think I understand a bit better what you are saying.

I don't think anyone who recommends therapy was trying to be rude. It sounds more like you are borderline Orthorexic. Anorexics are literally starving themselves to death. You are no where near starving. It does sound like in trying to change your eating habits you have become a bit limited in what you will an won't eat. When we become too rigid in our eating habits it can be just as crippling as anorexia. You'll need a 2 pronged approach. Yes you may need therapy, but you will also have to actively seek out ways to expand you repertoire. Some of the websites others have recommended may help. I've heard of people also taking nutrition and cooking classes. You can work with a therapist to try one new food or dish at different intervals. Taking a nutrition/cooking class is helpful because you can gain insight into what type of Vitamin and nutrients are in foods instead of generalities like bread = carbs.

Agree with everything said. Additionally if your body does not get the Protein it needs, guess what? It starts taking protein from other areas. Know what else needs protein to grow? hair & nails. Hair loss is already quite common, but not getting in your protein is a sure fire way to exacerbate that. Do your best to build up to taking in a minimum of 60gms of protein each day and a minimum of 64 ounces of fluids.

You have to create new habits. Shoveling snow, pain in the butt though it may be is a good exercise. Going for a walking, even a short 15 minute walk is exercise when you are drudging through snow. Get some videos, check youtube or On Demand if you have cable and work out at home. Learn to knit/crotchet/sew. Read a book. Start a blog. You need to figure out a new normal for you. Take a class online. This is the time to learn how to live a life where food is not your only friend. The sky is the limit.