BLERDgirl

I never liked red meat except for junk food like cheese-steaks and hamburger. I tried vegetarianism as a teen but went back to eating chicken and seafood in my 20's. Then I developed a seafood allergy. Looking back I think I always had an intolerance, but it became lethal in my late 20/early 30's. When I gave up seafood I went back to vegetarianism. Unfortunately I was more of a junk-a--tarian than anything else. I ate too many white, processed carbs and junk food instead of focusing on whole, healthy plant based foods. About 5 or 6 years ago my allergies got progressively worse. I was feeling worse and worse and gaining weight at a crazy rate. I started reading up and adjusting my diet. I've improved my eating habits and have no desire to ever eat meat again. Seafood is not an option since I am now anaphylaxis levels allergic. There are even days when I think about adopting a vegan diet. For now I am firmly vegetarian and plan to stay that way.

Plan for it. Find nutritious low cal replacements.Do not bring anything in the house you can't eat in a sensible manner.food diary. Seriously plan your 3 meals and 2 Snacks. We are food addicts we must eat with purpose or set ourselves up to fail. I use Myfitnesspal and most days I pre-plan my meals. At the end of the day, I edit to match what I actually ate. It keeps me accountable.Do not directly eat out of "family size bags". Buy those snack size ziplocks. When you find your snack that you can safely eat in small portions. Buy the box/bag or whatever but then separate into single servings according to YOUR food plan. Example: I used to love ginger snap Cookies. In the winter I loved having a cup of coco and some cookies in the evening. However I could eat half a box pre surgery. What I started doing is separating the box into serving sizes. 3 cookies is a serving. This got me through last winter.

Not yet. I follow them on facebook, but I'm not in shape enough to join just yet. It's one of my goals.

You're only going to be in Mexico for a few days. I think you'll be fine going solo. Of course you'll take all the necessary precautions with emergency contacts and such. Secondly when people here Mexico they think of some 3rd world back alley set up not realizing that there is an established, well staffed medical facility there. Please don't feel the need to explain to them that this isn't case. I agree with the posters upthread. Unless they are paying for your surgery, it's really none of their business.

No, but vomiting what looks like coffee grounds is quite serious. I would do a light diet until the upper GI.

Don't get on the scale. Work on eating properly, drinking your water and healing. Walk as much as you can. When you go back for your follow up the doctor will weigh you and then if you need to make any adjustments you can speak with your medical team.

I use it as I regularly would. Just keep in mind that when you close out for the day it will give you an error message that says: " Based on your total calories consumed today, you are likely not eating enough For safe weight loss, the National Institutes of Health recommends no less than 1000-1200 calories for women and 1200-1500 calories for men. Even during weight loss, it's important to meet your body's basic nutrient and energy needs. Over time, not eating enough can lead to nutrient deficiencies, unpleasant side effects & other serious health problems. To safely meet your goals: Focus on consuming nutrient-rich foods and beverages Check your progress in MyFitnessPal throughout the day Add nutritious Snacks between meals as needed" My nutritionist wants me to take in between 600-800 calories, so I use this to make sure I'm getting that. I also watch my sugar, carbs and sodium. So I have it set to show that as well. Other than that I just record what I eat. I'm at 8 weeks so I'm eating a bit more but I resumed using this the first week I was discharged because it was helpful in tracking my 3 meals, 2 snacks.

@@CowgirlJane - That's an interesting point about losing estrogen. I wonder if it makes a difference that I am already menopausal. I never had crazy emotions as a result of the surgery.

Check with your doctor. I didn't have a catheter. They gave me two gowns so I could cover back and front.

I've had friends who used lavender sachets to help with the nausea. Candied ginger and ginger crystals helped me.

Take your *meds! Not all doctor's prescribe them but the folks who complain of being tired often aren't taking them. I think it helps with the energy level. Pick up a pill crusher at the local drug store. * I am referring to Vitamins and supplements that some programs prescribe. Any prescription medications should be cleared by your surgical team. They will advise what you can or cannot take.

Another question to ask your doctor. If you think you're anxiety level will be extreme they may be able to accommodate you.

The premade drinks are available in most drug stores. You can buy the powder at most online places or directly from Orgain. I would recommend buying the premade first to see if you like it. I like the chocolate better than the vanilla but the vanilla provides a nice blank slate.

For me exercise has always been key to whether I lose weight. Find some kind of exercise to incorporate, even if it's just walking 20 mins or more a day. I use my smoothies as my pre and post workout drink since I tend to workout in the mornings. This way I am not working out on an empty stomach and I can have a heavier smoothie because I am burning it off. I typically drink half before and half after. Smoothies I like to make: My own version of an Orange Julius: I freeze the premade Orgain organics protein shake in vanilla. In the nutra bullet I put 1 cup of Almond Breeze vanilla unsweetened almond milk, 1 scoop vanilla Orgain organic protein powder, 3 froze orgain ice cubes, one peeled orange, a dash of nutmeg, a dash of tumeric, and a tsp of raw honey and blend. My version of a Cafe Mocha Smoothie: 4 frozen coffee ice cubes (I buy a medium Dunkin Donuts coffee with regular cream & sugar then freeze in an ice tray), 1.25 cups of Almond Breeze vanilla unsweetened almond milk, ½ tsp cacao powder, 1 scoop of chocolate Orgain Organic protein powder. blend.

This is normal. You have just removed ~85% of your stomach and the remaining portion is healing. This is why it's important to eat/drinking slowly. It goes away.

I think it depends on where you are having surgery. At my hospital I was given a duffle bag at preadmission. It had those slipper sock in side. At my final nutrition glass I was given a Water bottle. I brought a chapstick, my iPod & charger,my travel toothbrush, deodorant and extra large panties to wear home. I had as many pillows as I want in the hospital. The provided colace & prilosec as part of my daily meds. My room had a shower with toiletries. I didn't need pain meds and my program keeps you for 2 days. By day 1 I was bored and I was happy to have my iPad with me. I kept myself busy by emailing and playing games.

It depends upon the person and your doctor's protocol. My pain level was about the same as a cross between menstrual cramps and what your abs feel like the day after a vigorous workout. I was walking in recovery and continued to walk throughout my hospital stay. I had no gas pains and no reflux/heartburn. However, my doctor started me on prophylactic doses of colace ( a stool softener) and generic prilosec in the hospital. I didn't need pain meds or the morphine pump in the hospital and I never filled the pain meds when discharged.

@imsoglad56. - I think it's always part doctor skill & part patient that makes these surgeries go well.

If yogurt works for you, I recommend FAGE 0% and add your own fruit to it. It a really high protein boost. One cup has 23 grams of protein. then just focus on increasing your water. Those 2 small changes might help and adding your own fruit to the mix keeps the sugar amount low.

I never had to take milk of magnesia

I'm only 8 week out. I keep a food diary at Myfitnesspal. I was also doing this before surgery. If you want to friend me, my username is Milaxx. Just leave a note that you're from here so I know to accept the request. Does your program offer a support group? It might be helpful to attend a few sessions. Perhaps you could ask your programs nutritionist. You might want to make sure that in addition to your Proteins you're getting in foods that fill you up. Milks & cheeses are good for that. eggs are good. Food high in Fiber are also filling. Also make sure you are not head hungry.

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Protein drinks are hit and miss. I tried a bunch before I went in for surgery CVS whey powder was okay. Prosource liquid Protein was a good neutral one to mix with Soups and tea. My favorite is Orgain organic premade. I was discharged on full liquids so I also did greek yogurt and Kefir drinks to mix it up.

I think it's okay to be a little hungry. Make sure you are following your doctor's protocol what ever that may be. If you are allowed soft foods, then make sure they are protein rich. You will still need to do small meals ever 3 -4 hours and drink plenty of water ~30 min after.

Call your doctor.