CanyonBaby

POPSICLES! The sugar-free ones, of course. I wouldn't have made it through pre-op or post-op without them! Stock up now, I found the Popsicle brand to be the best flavored. It gives you the crunch and chew you are going to crave! Good luck on your surgery and your journey!

Here's my "cocktail" for protein, since I hate the shakes. Get a large glass of cold water, add however many drops of water enhancer to your liking, add the unflavored protein powder and mix well. If you want, add calcium citrate powder for your half-daily dose of calcium (you will have to stir periodically to keep it mixed), then you can also add Benefiber to keep things "moving". I have this twice a day for the basics of protein, another for extra, if I feel I need it. There are so many flavors of drops out there, even some that aren't sweet. You can mix the flavors together for more variety. Good luck to you!

They may do a revision to the RNY, but do you really need it? Have you asked your Dr. for a referral to see a psychologist who can help with the eating issues? Might be a place to start. Good luck to you, and let us know how you are doing....

Are you supposed to have broth? Are you fine with the protein shakes? How about adding the unflavored protein powder to plain water with some drops added from water enhancers? I really like those "cocktails", as I can add my Benefiber to it, as well as my powdered calcium citrate. 2 of those a day take care of the basic protein requirements, have a third for extra. Good luck to You!

Ok. The only other thing I can think of is this: are you getting ANY carbs in? You should be getting some in, my NUT suggests 20 grams/day. And spread them (all 20 of them!!!) throughout your day. You may be needing more...just another thing to ask the doc.....

Just asking, but have you two had your thyroid levels checked recently? An underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid often presents itself like you're describing. I've had it since 1995. Other symptoms include (not everyone, but these are typical) hair loss, weight gain (!!!!!), feeling cold. I've had all of them, and when my medication is not quite right, or the thyroid gets a little worse (stops functioning to the level it previously was), these symptoms creep back into the picture. In fact just 2 days ago, my dietician told me my thyroid number was down again (this time from too strong medication). I have less energy, and I'm sure my hair loss is not just from the weight loss(!). So back to changing the meds again. The medication (Synthroid or generic equivalent) works great, at the right dosage - just a tiny pill every morning. Feel better soon....

JUST REMEMBERED!!!! Ok, so I'm old! "Sit And Be Fit"!!! I believe you can get it on DVD, and in my area (Washington state) it is on PBS. A program that has exercises that only require you to sit in a chair. I did them pre-op, and they are great! And they really work!

Since you're not getting in all your fluids, that may be the issue (might not be, either, but try this). Add water enhancer drops to your water. I have an issue with dehydration, so my dietician and nurse suggested using these drops (you can get them at the grocery store) to use in all the water I am trying too take in. It does make it easier to get down, and I find I am able to drink a lot more, as well. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, and if you don't like sweet stuff much, try the Dasani (I think I spelled that right!) drops. The lime flavor is almost perfume-y, but nice. The other brands I have tried are Orange Crush, Minute Maid, Nestea, and a generic store brand (orange-tangerine). Lots of flavor options make it less boring. I also like to add it to unflavored protein powder in my water for a "cocktail" protein drink that (in my opinion) is far better than the shakes. Good luck to you and let us know how you are doing!

I have found that the food I used to eat doesn't necessarily taste or react in my new stomach like it used to do. Some things taste wonderful when they never did before, others horrible. Some things my stomach loves, others, it hates. It amazes me how it has all changed! The most important thing about going into new stages, is remembering to chew it thoroughly. Kinda like you are a baby again. Follow the food schedule...don't try to force foods your stomach isn't ready for. Your mind may say it is, but your stomach will rebel!

I'm with ProudGrammy (always am!!!), you will see results. Start taking measurements, especially when the scale won't give you positive results, you'll be surprised at what you see! You are still holding fluids from the surgery, it takes awhile to get rid of it all. Just make sure to follow all the rules, they are there for a reason.

Welcome and congrats on your surgery and weight loss! Even tho' you will have stalls, they do pass if you're following the rules. Just think of it this way: what will you weigh and look like in one year's time? You have a lot to look forward to, and make sure you are taking measurements, especially during a stall. The measurements will show what the scale won't...SUCCESS! Good luck to you on your journey!

Well remember this: As the weight falls off, it should ease the joints somewhat. Not completely, mind you, but some really notice a big difference.

@@Thinside Unfortunately (or NOT), the surgery does not alter the brain or it's thinking pattern. You will still have the same mental issues with food, it's the hardest part of this. You will have "head hunger" that has been imprinted in you brain for all of your life up to this point. You will have to work on that to change it. It is HARD! You may need some psychological assistance, which is not unusual. Your Dr. can assist you in finding that help. The question is how committed to change are you? This is what I do, and it's not for everyone. Everyone is different, and approaches this lifestyle change differently. I do not log my food choices for the day. I do not "officially" count calories, carbs, Protein, or fat. I have a mental idea of what they are and what I have done for the day. I have been doing the diet thing for years, and am satisfied that what I am doing is adequate for me. My dietician and nurse know what I do, and are not only ok with it, they are happy with my progress. The surgery is doing what it is supposed to do, and I recognize that it will do only so much, and that my part is unfinished, and always will be. I exercise a few times a week, when my arthritic joints allow, eat protein first, and, if there is any room left (rarely) will have a few bites of healthier carbs. I follow the 2-3-2 program (eat within 2 hours of waking, approximately every three hours and within two hours of going to bed). I am rarely hungry this way. My life DOES revolve around food (it was worse before surgery, as I was diabetic then - it is in remission now), but in a more positive way. I don't restrict too much what I eat (types of food), since I eat so little of it, but I focus on the protein diet. I have treats in moderation, and not regularly. It takes a lot of effort to do this, planning meals can be a challenge (since I eat so little, a normal size meal will last me days!). I freeze a lot of my leftovers to use later on. The biggest thing is I think it was definitely worth it, as at least with the surgery I CAN see a difference, and it is working. And it WILL Stay off if I follow the rules, which get easier each day. You can always send me a message if you need further advice or have any other questions, I'm happy to help!

Awesome! Here's to the new you!

Try to think "I wonder why she is so nasty?" Some possibilities would be: an ill child she can't attend, dying mother, can't afford my rent this month, flat tire on the way to work...we all go through it, have those bad days. Cheer her up with a smile, a " how's it going" question. You'd be surprised at how just a simple concern can change one's demeanor.

Always call the Dr. if you are concerned. Try putting pillows around your torso at night, in bed, to prevent you from turning so much. Prop them where you tend to turn. It might be enough to stop you from hurting yourself while you are healing. Worked for me! Oh, I am SUCH A PRO at this (I've had 22 surgeries!!!)!

Here's a strange remedy for restless leg syndrome (which may or may not work for your situation, but it won't hurt to try!!!), place a bar of soap (I told you it was strange!) beneath you bottom sheet (the fitted sheet) and your mattress. Place it under where your knees are. It works for the restless legs, maybe it'll work for your jerks! I know the minute I put it in the bed, for me, my legs/body is then calmed. What can it hurt to try for your situation? Good luck to you and all who suffer....

I will tell you what made my decision for me. It was the fact that, because I have arthritis, I need to be able to take anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers (N-Saids). My surgeon suggested the sleeve for the fact it has less chance of ulceration when taking those meds than the RNY, which he would not let me take if I had that surgery. Now, if your young and don't have those arthritic issues RIGHT NOW, you may wish to think of your genetic history (do you have any rheumatoid arthritis in your family history> How about osteoarthritis?), and ask yourself "if I get arthritis (and more than likely you will - most people as they age will get some form of it), will I want to be able to take pain meds for it?". That's all it took for me to decide. And, as I was in the pre-op stage, not being allowed to take my pain meds before surgery, I was thinking how glad I was to choose the sleeve, because I DON'T LIKE HURTING! And I hurt a lot during the pre-op! Think hard, my dear, and good luck with your decision!

So I have to ask, what would be your outcome if you didn't have the surgery? Yes, we plan our food, a lot of us weigh and measure it, log what we eat, but then we carry on...to a healthier life than before the surgery. What is different? Dieting will get you this far....and then there's that slippery-slope that pulls us back to being overweight. How many times do we have to diet, then fail....before we say "enough, already!" and have the procedure that we can use as a TOOL that will help us keep from sliding backwards? If you think it is easy, READ THE POSTS! It is not the easy way out, we still have to fight to maintain, but at least there is now a tool in the box that we can use as a lifeline, IF WE USE IT PROPERLY. Read what those of us go through everyday; we still battle, but look at the success rate for those who are using the tool properly. If you're looking for an easy way out, there is none, not even with surgery. And if you're like me and the many others on this site, you will use the tool and lead a slimmer, healthier lifestyle for the rest of your life! Good luck in your decision-making!

And if it helps, my Nut has said when the pounds come off slower, they tend to stay off! I don't know about you, but I'll take it!

Walk. Walk. Walk. Get things moving. Did you chew really well? Whatever you do, I would not suggest putting anything more in there until it has moved some, if not all the way. No liquids, nothing. It should go down, but it might take some time. If, by tomorrow morning, you're still having issues, call your Dr., unless you feel you need to now. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

If you're already doing frozen foods, why not make your own? Make a typical recipe, then freeze it in small, portable containers to take with you. This way you can control what is in it, and how much is in it! And it's ALWAYS better than the store stuff!

Benefiber, my friend. Or Prunes/prune juice.

I am sorry for your arthritis issues. To get in your fluids, try the water enhancer drops. You can adjust the sweetness to you liking, and it really does help it go in easier. Just take your time, heal at your own pace. Everyone is different in healing. Ask your Dr. about taking meds for your arthritis. I have the osteoarthritis, and am on Advil Liquid Gels for it. Some days it helps, some days it doesn't. You know how it goes! But my Dr. approves of this med, and I haven't had any issues with it, to this point. I did have to wait until 8 weeks out before I could take it. All the best to you...

Same here, no issues and 3 months out. No problems with nuts or hard things, as long as I chew them well. I think the slow progression my doc. had me on is why, it allowed me to heal very well.