BLERDgirl

@@dhrguru - For some reason I am only now just getting this. I wouldn't mind a meetup even though we had different surgeries. It could be a nice way to share fitness tips in the area. @@tdc - I'm not familiar with Barix at all and only used Chestnut Hill for testing. I had surgery at UPenn and was more than impressed by the care. They have support groups throughout the city and are on call 24 hours a day. They also have an email system (MYPennmedicine) that is very good. You can get your test results there and if you email a doc they will get back to you within 2 days. They provide you with a binder that has the entire process start to finish, a comprehensive list of vitamins/supplements, Protein drinks and sample menus for every stage of eating. At the nutrition class they gave out free Water bottles. For surgery I was given a duffle bag to store my clothes in. When they found out I lived alone, they made arrangements for a visiting nurse to make home visits post op and the program nurse called me to make sure I was doing well.

This is a discussion to have with your doctor. Call them ASAP.

That's an oversimplification. Fruit is not all sugar but does contain sugar. It also contains fiber but most of the benefits that of that fiber are loss when broken down into a smoothie. Unused sugar will indeed turn into carbs. However carbs are not evil if your activity level will burn them off. Used to say fuel a workout, carbs can be a good thing. There's a reason why endurance athletes carb load before an event.

I had Noel Williams as my surgeon.

I am on a fixed income. I am single with only 2 cats as dependents and I find it necessary to budget every penny. Protein powder and good, nutritious food cost money. I clip coupons and buy on sales to make ends meet. Given your situation and current unstable living situation I would definitely postpone. You really need to be able to completely focus on managing your health for at least the first 6mths. How will you buy food on all liquids? Where will you be able to prepare your meals? Hopefully the new year will find you in better financial shape. I just wouldn't recommend going forward with so much uncertainty.

The abscess? No that comes from one of your incisions not healing properly. I had a really nasty on years ago after my hysterectomy. I had to have a nurse come out for wound care. As for eating eggs. I'll admit I feel a little guilty eating them even though I buy cage free. However I need them to meet my Protein goals. I probably eat eggs every day. Thankfully they don't upset my stomach no matter how I prepare them.

Sounds a bit extreme. I could have fruit from week 3 (Purees) onward but in small amounts. I avoid bananas because A) I don't like them and they are really high in sugar. However anyone who likes them simply needs to plan accordingly. I wouldn't recommend any post-op eating more than half a banana at a time. My thought is this; too much sugar can be bad, but we need to learn how eat foods that can nourish out bodies. I'd rather eat real fruit and get all the Fiber, nutrients, etc... than any form of fake food or sugar sub. In moderation it can be a good thing. A small piece of fruit before a workout gives you energy and so that sugar gets burned off. A portion for me these days is a half and orange, or half an apple. I would never do a fruit smoothie that was all fruit. That's a sugar bomb. I will do half an orange, dash of lemon juice, tumeric powder, greek yogurt and a scoop of Protein powder. Taste like an Orange Julius.

I never went out of my way to be the "witty funny fat gal" I was an active fat. Basically just living my life. I had/have good friends and enjoy the same things my thinner friends like. I always loved fashion, makeup and clothes and that hasn't changed. However to answer the questions: 1. What behaviors / skills did you develop to compensate for being fat? When walking long distances became an issue I was very creative with developing ways to work around that. I was an expert at finding seats to take a rest and I always had cab fare handy. 2. Do you think you'll change (and how) when you're thin? As I have lost weight I can walk longer distances so I don't need to rely on my old tricks. I have increased my workouts since surgery I have greater stamina as well.

I used to buy Biochem vegan protein powder. I bought it from Whole Foods. I also like Orgain Organics RTD. They are sold online at their website and in stores like Walgreens and CVS.

There are no guarantees. Some people have issues with reflux, others don't. Some people get sick other don't. Even though you are self pay, I would locate and attend an informational seminar in your area. Most of your concerns are covered at those. Additionally these are the type of questions to take when you meet the surgeon. Ask them about these and what they will do to prevent this from happening. Personally speaking I had no issues with pain, or food. I go out to eat regularly, I drink alcohol on occasion. I don't eat a lot of bread, but that it not because I get sick, it's a conscious choice. I have had a truly uneventful, relatively easy first year, but I work at it every single day. I work out, I monitor what I eat as opposed to the mindless eat I used to do, and I take my Vitamins & supplements regularly. For the most part there is nothing I ate pre-op that I can't eat now. Only the amounts have changed. My last bit of advice would be to make a list of things your ARE willing to do to change your life and make this surgery a success. In short, how will you use this tool to not only ensure that your lose weight and stay healthy, but also that you can maintain the weight loss. If you don't have any changes you are willing to make for this to happen, you may want to save your money.

I'm not a bottle dressing person. I either make my own or I use salsa. Salad dressing is just an acid plus a fat emulsified. Sometimes that's just olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For fruity flavors I add a bit of smashed fruit. I'll toss in any herbs and seasonings I like. I've also used smashed avocado, tahini and yogurt as my fat, pickle juice or apple cider vinegar as my acid. I haven't bought a bottle of dressing in over 5 years.

A year later & over 100lbs down other than compliments from people who knew me I'm not treated any differently. I was a confident & active person before and the only change is that I am even more active

Personally speaking I will ignore a post if it doesn't apply to me, like the post asking about fish, or if it a variation of the same question that gets posted multiple times every day. That is usually something like the following: I only lost _____ amount of weigh, what am I doing wrong? I'm stalled I'm still hungry or can still eat 5lbs of Pasta in one sitting I'm not drinking my fluids/water I'm not meeting my Protein goals What's the best _______ Post with no topic in the header other than "help" These questions have been asked & answered many times over and the answer can easily be found by using the search feature. If I'm not in the mood to repeat myself, I skip them. I too have found there are quite a few newbies who validation of incorrect actions on their part. I've seen people get upset at being told to call their NUT. Bottom line for me is this is the internet. People are not going to agree with me. I take what I can use and ignore the rest.

Also keep in mind not every salad has to have lettuce. Chopped veg makes a good salad. Sliced thin yellow squash & zucchini with onions & white bean or chicken breast served with a lite dressing or vinaigrette is great. Apples, walnuts and chicken makes a nutritious salad and you can swap the mayo for plain Greek yogurt to save calories & up the protein. I do that with mock chicken and use lettuce to make wraps. It's not a ton of lettuce but I still get that nice, crispy crunch from the lettuce and apple.

I hope all goes well for you.

I used to say I eat everything I used to only in smaller more sensible amounts. Then I realized I have not had a hoagie since being sleeved. Now I'm that weird person who like health foods just as much as I love junk food. I was eating plain greek yogurt years before surgery because I like it. However I completely forgot I haven't had a hoagie until my sister bought one the other day. I literally have no desire for it. When you change your eating habits it really can effect your taste buds.You'll be fine. You will either find healthier alternatives or learn to do without.

I have Keystone 65. My doctor submitted my request before I was even finished with testing. Attended seminar end of May. I had my first appt with the surgeon in June & had surgery in September. I received my approval in August. In the midst of all of this I took off July because of family obligations. Otherwise I probably could have been sleeved a month earlier.

Skipping meals was one of the reasons I gained so much weight. For some skipping a meal is a gateway to making excuses to over eat or eat the wrong things.

I am always puzzled by the stance that there is no nutritional value to salads. Yes we need protein but we also need fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and other nutrients that we can get from fruit and veg. I'd rather get nutrients naturally than pop a zillion pills and I definitely enjoy having normal bowel movements. Part of this process is relearning to eat. Doesn't it make sense to learn how to eat a balance meal?

If it's bright red it's likely hemorrhoids or it could be a tear from straining to go. If it was internal your poo would be dark. Nevertheless call the doctor and get it checked.

It appears you've gotten several good responses. but honestly the best advice will come from your NUT. Speaking as someone with multiple allergies, meetings with your NUT need to be a give and take. Ask questions and try to brainstorm work arounds with her. Anything we say is little more than guessing.

@@winklie - What a day! Keep that attitude & determinations and you'll be quite the success story.

Cucumbers! I slice them thick, hit them with a dash of lime and a bit of hot sauce. Crunchy, spicy and nearly no calories. A cup is 16 calories.

Are you on a PPI of any form? Call your NUT or doctor and discuss this with them.

I added spinach to my Protein drinks from week 1 but they were blended in the nutra bullet. I started back on salads and raw veg week .6. I agree check with your NUT.