BLERDgirl

Stevia is okay, if you aren't allergic to ragweed. They are in the same family and trigger my hives. There is also a BIG difference between stevia herb you get from the healthful store and the white, processed stuff they sell in the market. I use either dried cranberries, a tsp of raw honey or real maple syrup. It's about finding a balance. I no longer pile loads of sugar in things, so on the rare occasion I have something like oatmeal, I have the real thing in a smaller dose.

I have 800 calories days. Especially if it's not a gym day.

Another siracha eater here. I love all things spicy. I think people are warned against it because of concerns with acid. It was never an issue for me.

That's the deal. They are actually billing insurance for the cream at an inflated price that covers the cost of the Protein shakes. Many doctor's office refuse to deal with them at all. If you shop around you can get deals on your own. Plus you get the option to taste test and find Protein Shakes you like. I like Isopure. Many people don't. I find the best deal for me was getting a GNC membership and buying from them. They often have sales and specials. I also occasionally use CVS brand vanilla whey instead of coffee creamer. It runs about $20 for a 2lb tub but I always have coupons from my CVS care card and usually end up paying around $13 - $15. Premier Protien is another popular brand and they are sold at Costco's and other discount stores.

It varies. I didn't have a pre-op diet of any kind.

You really do relearn how to eat. Hopefully how to eat in a healthier manner. I Learned chocolate will always be a trigger for me. I can not keep it in the house. I've also learned even good for me things cannot be kept in the house. An ounce of nuts is a good snack, but if I buy a big bag, I gooble them up. I was gifted a tin of dry roasted cashews and had to spend yesterday measuring out a ¼cup and putting them in ziplocks.

Just saw @@VSGAnn2014's response. Here's an example of how programs vary: I had no pre-op diet. My food phases were: Full Liquids:1 - 2 weeks: Basically anything liquid no thicker than a milk shake. Purees: 3 - 4 weeks: Food the consistency of baby food Soft Foods: 5 - 6 weeks: Soft foods like scrambled eggs, mushy fruits, etc.... Anything as tolerated week 7 - on I was on 400 - 600 calories a day until 3 mths out then no more than 850 calories from 3 - 9 mths. I currently eat no more than 1,000 calories a day. I have lost 109lbs. I rarely eat any bread or highly processed food. I am vegetarian and eat a plant based diet. I also don't eat artificial sweeteners or diet foods. I work out 4 -6 days a week. To the best of my knowledge I have never experienced a stall.

My nutritionist had me practicing sipping, taking small bites and chewing slowly pre-op, maybe a month in advance. By the time surgery rolled around I still had to remind myself occasionally, but mostly I remembered to go low.

I went to Whole Foods for everything except that B12 and D3. Even with WF prices my supplements were cheaper than $250

Like alcoholism and drug addiction obesity is a disease. Thankfully one that can be conquered with interventions, but whether biological or environmental for many people is is much more than a matter of willpower. It's not something we "get over". That doesn't make the pre-op side of my life a failure. It means there were things beyond my control that required medical intervention to tend to. Attaching shame to them much like other addictions is part of what makes people reticent to seek help. Pre-op me was a cool chick. One who was smart enough to identify a problem and address it. She was never a failure.

Interesting take on it. I don't view my poor eye sight on an inability to heal my eye no matter how well I take care of them. I don't view cancer on a failure of mine. We don't call people with mental illnesses a failure for seeking treatment and/or medication. Obesity is a disease, not a matter of will power. I didn't ask for early menopause, or an out of whack pituitary, both of which contributed to my weight issues. I had surgery to correct my eyes, surgery to cut out my cancer and surgery to correct my weight issues. I am not ashamed of any of these things. Calling oneself a failure and seeking help for something beyond your control is too close to self hate. It shrouds bariatric surgery in shame. The only way I could have been a failure is by not taking action.

Yep first test is to monitor how you sleep. You'll have electrodes on you scalp, chest and legs. You will probably also have a nasal canula up your nose. They will likely want you to sleep on your back. Some will allow you to sleep on your side. If they don't find anything abnormal, then you're good to go. If they find any indication of sleep apnea, they bring your back to try a mask on you. The CPAP mask can range from small ones that just cover the nose to larger ones that cover the nose and mouth. Once they figure out the right mask and rate for O2, they give you a script for your own CPAP machine. None of it is painful, ust annoying.

It varies depending on your insurance. Other than copays, my only fees were the nutrition class ($200) and the hospital fee ($200). I was not obligated to buy my shakes through my program or my vitamins/supplements.I was told up front that not all insurances cover the psych eval and nutrition class. I was prepared to pay for both and thankful to only have to pay for one. I've read that the shakes and supplements they make you buy through the doctor's office is a sort of kickback deal where the practice gets a percentage.

Just noticed the hair along my temples appear to be growing back. I've got some fuzzy regrowth happening. I'll have my dermatologist check when I see her next week.

Welcome! You will gets lot of uniformed people telling you this is dangerous and don't do it. For me this was life changing and the easiest surgery I have ever had done. I had zero pain and zero complications. This was easier than my complete hysterectomy. Do your research and listen to experts, not nay sayers. Even with doctors some are old fashioned and not up on what baritric surgery involves. If he's not your doctor, he doesn't get a say. I would recommend continuing your research, but don't bother talking to your family about it. It's not worth the arguments and family discordance. People often hear surgery and panic. Even with your pre-op testing, just quietly get it done and don't make a big deal about it.

Check with your doctor. If they okay it, I don't see why not. I was back doing squats by week 3.

Bread - Rarely and definitely not in early weight loss stages. Diet Coke - Poison. It's not food and not healthy even "in moderation". Never touch the stuff. Cookies - Even less rarely than bread, but once in a blue moon, okay.

Here's a referral link. If you use it I get $20 and so do you.

Ironically most of the consignment shops near me wouldn't take my plus size clothes. I have 2 suits that are a 32. They are good quality and I paid a pretty penny for them. Fully lined suits. One is a black pants suit and one is a checkered skirt and jacket. Both retailed for over $100. If ThredUp works for me I may try listing them there. Otherwise I don't know what else to do with them. I did donate a lot of regular clothing to Goodwill.

I would recommend finding an alternative. Cup o noodles is pretty much just processed carbs and sodium. Too much sodium can also hinder your weight loss, especially if you aren't getting in all your fluids. Try making your own broth or soup. Get a chicken breast, toss in some onions, celery and seasonings. Boil that for 30 -45 minute or until the chicken is done. Let cool, then take the chicken, cut it up and toss the whole thing in the food processor/ vita mix or nutra bullet like device. If it's too thick then thin it out with a little store bought broth. You can then separate it into single serving sizes and freeze. It will be much better for you and likely more filling. I lose anywhere from 5 - 10lbs a month and have done so pretty consistently since week 6. Yes I had that big weight loss in the beginning, but I started at a really high BMI so it was to be expected. Everything else has been a matter of hard work. A year out and with no pre-op diet I lost over 100lbs. I am completely happy with it since I think it's allowing my body time to catch up with my weight loss. My face looks fine. No extra wrinkles, my upper body is still plump but toned. My only questionable are are my thighs which may or may not require plastic. I plan to up my gym game in hopes of avoiding that.

Any change in the right direction is indeed a NSV. Congratulations!!! Keep up the good work!

I've added it to egg salad, scrambled eggs, and yogurt. With eggs I use less, no more than half a scoop, sometimes only a quarter scoop. I've also added it to spaghetti sauce.

I am a year out and I have eaten potatoes, bread and pasta, but very rarely. I don't ever want to get to the point of craving them again and since my diet is plant based my carbs are already high. I make healthier exchanges. I make pancakes using flax powder and protein powder, I buy black bean or edamame pasta. I get the same taste and mouth feel, but it doesn't trigger my carb addition.

It's a matter of taste. I like it and add it to pretty much everything. Soups, tea, my yogurt, etc.... If you don't like Ispoure Genepro and Syntrax Nectar also make and unflavored version. Remember unflavored doesn't mean flavorless, it just means there's no added flavorings or sugars. Adding stronger flavors to it helps. I add a dash of hot sauce to my soups or a bit of lemon to my tea.

Carbs are in just about everything so I assume your addiction is processed carbs like breads, pastas, etc... It's a learning curve. Like everyone has mentioned you'll have to be creative and come up with healthier alternatives. There's a recipe for pizza crust using cauliflower instead of flower. I make pancakes with protein powder & flax powder instead of flour. It can be done. Just get creative.