CanyonBaby

Protein snack ideas: cheese sticks (string, cheddar, cojack...lots of varieties on the market these days), maybe cut into chunks leftover roasts, pork chops..., small portions of beans (black, pinto, your favorite), hard-boiled eggs, nuts in small portions, protein bars. I'm sure there are tons more. But these can help curb the appetite before you get into trouble with the carby-snacks. I also like salted roasted in-the-shell peanuts. Oh, and my husband says to include jerky! Have fun!

Maybe not force yourself so much as entice yourself! Are you not able to tolerate food at all, or is it just that you can't eat but a little bit? The important thing is to get in your Water and your Protein. Did you have hernia repair surgery during your sleeve surgery? If you did have the hernia repair, it will take a little longer to heal. I was on stage 1 baby food for quite a while right after surgery, that may be a solution for you. If you can't tolerate the Protein shakes, try getting some unflavored Protein powder and adding it to water, then add some Water Enhancer drops (get at the grocery store) until it is to your liking. Good luck to you!

I just saw my dietician today, and have asked her about getting in more water. Her recommendation was to add the water enhancer drops to ALL the water I drink, because for some reason my body just doesn't want it (plain water) and has difficulty taking it without it. The weird thing is I LOVE plain water! Go figure! She is right, though; I am able to drink more with the enhancer drops than without. And I am 3+months out. Good luck to you!

POPSICLES! Sugar-free, of course! LOTS of them, they help you with the crunch and chew that you are missing. Good luck with your surgery!

Have you called and asked what they want you to do? The day before my surgery I was strictly on Clear liquids, absolutely nothing else. It probably would be good to call and ask, that's what they are paid for! Good luck with your surgery!

May I suggest getting a book on the subject, that can fully explain and even show with pictures the procedure? Amazon.com carries several, one I would suggest is "Ultimate Gastric Sleeve Success" by Dr. Duc C. Vuong. It even has quizzes in it to help you get as educated as possible on the surgery. Good luck to you!

I am so sorry for your situation, but take heart, things ALWAYS happen for a reason, even though we may never know the reason. It's best they find this out now instead of on the operating table. Now they can attack what's going on and you can hopefully put it behind you. Can the people who were to care for your child do it down the road? I am going to keep you in my prayers, please keep us informed!

@@devillynn Saw my nurse today, she suggested Nioxin shampoo (suggested for chemo patients who are losing hair) for the hair loss. It's supposed to stimulate the hair follicles, thus promoting growth! Here's to growing things in the RIGHT places!

It's definitely going to be an individual thing, I have had no issues up to this point by taking the Advil Liquid-Gels. But I've always had a stomach of iron....

I am in love with grits, but never was before WLS! I have discovered that adding unflavored protein powder to instant packets of grits is a great breakfast (and don't laugh, dinner also!) idea. I am experimenting by adding different types of cheeses, and adding different spices, as well. One single-serve packet lasts me for at least three meals! The brand I amusing is Quaker Original Instants Grits. I am, indeed, so EASILY amused.....

If you're looking into having the sleeve done, this one (in my humble opinion) is a good one: "Ultimate Gastric Sleeve Success" by Dr. Duc Vuong. The best part for me was the surgery explanation, and all the quizzes he has, to see how informed you are, and to see if you're ready for it. Covers all areas pretty thoroughly. And it's a very interesting read, a well. Good luck with your decision and surgery!

Maybe a place to start up again would be: the 2-3-2 plan. Eat within 2 hours of waking up. Eat approximately every 3 hours. And within 2 hours of going to bed. Try for 800-1200kcals/ day. Drink your water (flavor it up with the water enhancer drops), and especially: get in your protein, PROTEIN FIRST!!!! Good luck to you!

You look amazing...well done!

As long as you have it in moderation, real candy should be ok. But maybe on a real, RARE occasion!

"This, too, shall pass..."

@@Inner Surfer Girl Oh, I know! But in a hurry, it'll do! My husband doesn't care for grits, poor soul, so I don't cook the larger batches. I find I just don't get through them fast enough. Have you ever tried freezing them? Do they turn out as freshly cooked? Maybe my next "adventure"....

I just got back from my 3 month follow-up for the sleeve surgery, and am glad to say all is well with that. BUT I was informed that, once again, my hypothyroidism is rearing it's ugly head! My number was down again, and it happened very quickly. Probably as a result of too strong meds. SO what does this have to do with any of you? Hypothyroidism has a nasty symptom: hair LOSS!!! And it has made itself known to me several times over the years. And can be confused with losing hair from weight loss. Or can add to it making things worse. So HEADS UP (pun intended!), people, get your thyroid checked periodically, make sure it's where it is supposed to be. A lot of us who are overweight also have undiagnosed hypothyroidism, and it can make you lose your hair. As well as cause you to gain weight. Loss of energy...the list goes on! As for hair "fixes", my nurse suggested shampoo that has Nioxin in it (recommended for chemo patients losing hair), as a stimulant for hair growth. You can get it at beauty salons and she said Rite-Aid, but wasn't positive about Rite-Aid. She said it might take a few months to work. But again, no guarantees. Have a beautiful day!

Amen, sister, and best of luck to you!

I think it happens to more than might admit it, but I've been told it is normal for us. And that it will stay with us. Sorry. BUT there is hope with Gas-X strips and tablets! The key is the timing. Take the strips as soon as you're done eating (others may have better ideas?). Hopefully this will help!

@RJ'S/beginning That's hysterical! Oh, unless it is me they are talking about (their mistake!!!).

I haven't yet, thank Goodness. I take Advil Liquid-Gels for the arthritis in my hands/body, and it is my go-to for virtually every pain that I have. The thing is, though, that I HAVE to have food in my sleeve so it doesn't harm me. Even if it is just milk, something to take the KNOCK out of it, know what I mean?! No other type of N-Said works for me, never has. Being able to take N-Saids for my pain issues is one of the reasons I went with the sleeve surgery. Are you taking enough liquid in with your meds, so they can dilute properly? In any event, call your surgical team for assistance, they may be able to give you an alternate solution. Good luck to you, and I hope you feel better!

@@MrsSugarbabe The thing I find is to add the unflavored Protein powder to things that are wet...soup, stew, Cereal...so it can blend well. BUT don't cook it! Add it AFTER the food is already cooked! I have found it (the whey) BLOOMS when heated, not a pretty thing! I'm always looking for new ideas, so please post what you come up with, I'm sure there are lots of folks who would be glad to have new ways to get their protein in! Thanks!

You can also use unflavored protein powder with water enhancer flavor drops added to water to control the calories and sweetness. And it will be less boring down the road! As for your kids, maybe get a book - there are several out there - on WLS, so they can see what is done, how it is done, and can then see for themselves this is NOT an easy thing, especially after they see what you will have to go through. Good luck to you!

I was told it will put too much gas in your sleeve, causing potential problems.

Go to the post on "New Ideas For protein...And it tastes good!" Lots of good ideas there!