kimby1029

Dear newbeginning...So sorry for your problems. Maybe you can talk to your doc about some better options. Hang in there! Hugs to you.

Welcome Matt! I chose the sleeve despite having more than 200 pounds to lose because I already have some malabsorptive issues. The RNY may assist you more as it does have the additional component of not allowing you to absorb some of the food you have eaten. I do appreciate not feeling hunger with the sleeve. Best of luck to you! Kim

I saw your post before lunch and had to go step away so I could ponder it a bit. I was not the complete sugar addict as you have described, it was all carbohydrates for me. Makes sense, right? What do these break down to become? SUGAR! That being said, I do like savory things a great deal. I do tend to keep my carbohydrates pretty low each day. Generally do not go above 55 grams of them for a day. I had my sleeve done on May 26. If I want a sweet taste, I have done a piece of sugar free hard candy. This has also helped keep the horrible taste out of my mouth. I do not drink coffee or tea so that probably helps and all carbonated drinks have been out of my diet for a pretty long while. I have found that strangely, savory things do stem the cravings for sweet things. I am taking the tack to keep the carbs low and keep on trucking toward goal. Have a long way to go. Was down 50.5 pounds between May 14 and July 1, so something is going ok for me. Best of luck to you!

I do like the PB2. I like it with the Jay Robb chocolate protein powder and Mootopia (similar to fairlife milk, just our grocery store version). I wondered about it with a banana flavored shake too... There are directions for making an actual peanut butter out of it, but I have not tried that as yet.

You will do great! Best of luck tomorrow!

You are doing great! Way to go!

Noticed this thread today. Received shots into foot today, the numbness from the lidocaine is helpful. Have been stretching, wearing inserts, & proper shoes for months. No help. It has really impeded my ability to exercise - have gone to the bike instead. Hope your feet feel better soon. I agree that the Water bottle is a good solution too for pain relief. Hang in there.

Dear StartingOverYetAgain - I am glad you have come back to the forum and are ready to move forward. I heard you and have read every response given to you. I do agree with others about tweaking your diet. I am having to stay below 40 carbs per day to lose and I am early out. I apparently am just really sensitive to them. Great thing is I figured this out pre-surgery and have zealously followed keeping those carbs low (like others have suggested) and so am able to move along in a way that is not making me crazy. I miss certain things, but understand ona fundamental level that this is what I have to do to get to where I want to go. Each day feels like starting over yet again. I know the desire to want this to be at least somewhat easier, but this is just not the hand we got dealt. You know what you need to do - are you ready to do it? If so, go for it! We are all supporting you!

You might see if you could get a script for Tramadol from your doc. It is not an NSAID, but does require a prescription. Best of luck to you!

I have had pretty good luck with the GAS X strips in mint flavor. They melt in the mouth and do help the tummy quite a bit. Good luck to you!

What do you mean when you say you can handle as much as you want? I would think your appetite has waned a lot! I can eat as much as I want, but it is because after a little, my tum says, "No More!!!!" What are you eating? Are you getting in all your Protein and Water? Glad you are doing well still....

Biotene is certainly worth a try. Also the Listerine strips help as do the Gas X mint meltaway strips. I get nasty metallic tastes too and these do help. Make sure you brush your tongue or get even a tongue scraper if needed, Good luck!

I do like the Jay Robb whey isolate too. The premier Protein is yummy as well. Changing flavors with extracts also works, just watch out for alcohols.

I threw up the Bariatric Advantage multi when I accidentally took it on an empty stomach. Tummies do not like these Vitamins without other stuff in there. I was only 2 1/2 weeks out, thus it was quite uncomfortable. I take the vitamins with some food. The calcium goes ok without food or with a shake, but there needs to be a bit in my tum to do the vitamins. Sorry it happened to you!

I have a Blender Bottle that comes with a little built in container. I use that to transport powders. Sometimes I use it to transport my Vitamins and Calcium things if I opt for a premixed Protein drink that morning. Got the blender bottle with the shaker thing at Target for like 10 or 11 bucks in a kicky hot pink shade

Yay Sara! You can still limit carbs even on regular food. Chicken, fish, cucumbers, spinach, eggs, baby omelets, etc. You are doing well.

Are you doing Protein shakes still? those have just been easier. I do eat a little tuna or chicken, but little is about all I can do. Try to make sure you are getting other liquids in too. Stalls do happen, but the liquid may help some.

Hey Sara - We had surgery the same date and I am able to get in at least 65 grams a day of Protein most days. I average about 450-600 calories to do it. I am the particular one though and track every Vitamin and Calcium chew too. Insane I know, but I use the app you do and just watch it add everything up. Are you doing any Protein shakes? I am able to do well with fluids, I just honestly forget to eat sometimes and get into trouble there. I had to travel out of my office today and ended up low on Water so have been drinking to catch up. I realize there is an issue when I do not have to pee very often, lol. This is a balancing act. You are doing well. Your doc will tell you what you need to do if anything.

You may also be having some acid reflux. This acts like hunger for some people. Are you one an acid blocker/proton pump inhibitor?

Hello there Doji - The recumbant bike will be great. I had foot issues and am walking a bit more now. You will likely drop weight pretty quidkly due to the restriction and this will help your knees a great deal. After you heal, maybe some Water aerobics or swimming would be good too. Best of luck. I am 4 weeks out tomorrow and between the surgery and the 2 week pre op, I am down almost 50 pounds. It is an amazing journey!

I do the starkist tuna packets they are 14 to 19 g of protein, reduced fat cheese sticks 7 grams , and live active cottage cheese by breakstone 10 grams there. I do a high protein shake 30 to 40 grams for most of it, however.

Sara - It is very easy to become over-concerned with correctness. I even track my vitamins' calorie counts. I think it is due to my profession - I am an auditor. HA! That being said, I work to ensure that I get in at least 65-80 oz of clear, calorie-free, non carbonated liquids each day and work to get 65 grams of Protein in. I generally make the Fluid requirement, but I do vary on the protein. The worst I have done recently (the past week) on the protein has been 40 grams. That was just a bad day for me. I did not feel like eating much that day. Fortunately, was able to get in 65 grams or more the other days. It is a challenge. Tracking is important, and the scale will help you with that I think. I do try to only enter the verified entries on my fitness pal and since I really do not have a ton of variety it seems to be working so far.

Sara - Way to go! So proud of you. We had our surgery the same day and you are doing great! Keep up the great work! Kimby

I am so sorry this happened to you. I had to self pay for my surgery since I am a state employee in Texas and Scott and White insurance will not cover it. It is insane that the Scott and White Hospital is a Bariatric Center of Excellence and has excellent surgeons, but they will not cover the surgery. They do accept other insurances, but I cannot just switch insurance mid stream, have to wait for enrollment, which would not really help me. I know how you feel. Can you maybe get a low interest loan to do self pay? They typically will do a special rate for self pay patients. I do not know the cost in Florida, but Texas is (fairly) reasonable about 6-15K depending on where you have the surgery. Hang in there.