toasty

@@Ashlegal I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time. In my case, I got a whole packet (about 15 pages) with details on what to eat in each phase, sample meal plans and recipes, when the phase begins and ends, when to start Vitamins and what kind, and leaves very little to guess upon. One whole page on different Protein supplements for various situations/tastes/conditions. The best I could recommend is to contact your bariatric team, in particular your NUT, and ask questions of them. As you say (and I totally agree) everyone's different, so whatever advice you receive here about your nutrition plan might not be applicable in your situation. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

So I am 5 days post-op, so take this for what its worth. Yesterday I did 2500 steps, which is about a mile for me. Every day I am going farther. And because I live in a hilly area, I can't simply walk on level paths. My normal day pre-op was 7-10K steps (about 3-4 miles). I hope to be back up to that in a few weeks (maybe less, who knows?). Just do what feels ok, and don't push it.

I agree with everything that's already been said here. To elaborate on one point: The gastric bypass surgery has been performed since the mid-1960s. We have over 50 years of data on how it works and how patients do with the surgery. It has changed somewhat over that time (it is generally done laparoscopically now), but we have lots of data on it. As some have said, it is the "gold standard", shown in study after study to provide the greatest average weight loss and lowest recidivism of any of the weight loss surgeries. The gastric sleeve and gastric band both started to be used widely in the early 2000s. There is much less long-term information on how they perform. Anecdotally, based only on the information I have read on this site, it seems that many patients have long-term difficulty with the gastric band, and some have required revision to gastric bypass. The gastric sleeve patients seem to be generally happy with their procedure. The only negative cases I have heard about are where the gastric sleeve causes reflux; in patients who already have reflux, the gastric sleeve is likely to only make it worse. These patients sometimes require revision to gastric bypass. Studies have shown a generally lower average weight loss with gastric sleeve compared with gastric bypass. Note that both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve require significant modification of the stomach, along with internal staples. However, in gastric sleeve, the unused stomach is removed, while with gastric bypass it remains in place. Therefore, it is possible to reverse the gastric bypass (although this is rare).

You need to become clear on whether you are on the "pureed" food stage or the "soft" food stage. They are different. Generally people go from liquid to pureed to soft foods, with typically two weeks at each stage (although it differs considerably by doctor). If in doubt, I would assume pureed until you can ask you doctor or NUT, and get confirmation. Better safe than sorry. In pureed, everything must be, well, pureed. All smooth. No chunks. As far as Oikos Triple Zero Banana Cream, I just looked it up on MyFitnessPal food database, and it looks fine nutritionally (very similar to non-fat greek plain yogurt). Just make sure that there are no chunks in it. I use Almond Milk with no problems. YMMV.

For details on the methodology and demographics, read the full article from the Feb. 2011 issue of the JACS here: http://www.journalacs.org/article/S1072-7515(10)01090-2/fulltext The link I provided in my initial entry was for the abstract press release on the study, not the full study itself. I suggest reading the whole study for more information. I know there were 19 test subjects, so I assume there were a mix of male and female, with different body weights. The results shown were of course a statistical result across all of the patients. The statistical probability of these values being correctly representative of the expressed population is excellent (p values all < 0.001). Of course, individuals will vary somewhat. Note that while this study has a subjective component (the questionnaire about how the subject felt after the test), the results were described in objective terms (BAC levels). It is definitely possible for one person to "feel" intoxicated while another does not, but for both of their BAC levels to be the same; objectively, they are both as inebriated, and with the same loss of function, even though they might not feel that way. Obviously one study is not conclusive, no matter how good the statistical sampling. All I provided was one study. If you can find an alternative study that refutes these findings, it would be very good to see. In my (albeit quick) research, I found a few more studies, but they all seemed to suggest the same things as these findings.

I totally agree with @India928. Before you know it, it will be overwith and you will be "on the other side". Take it easy, let the nurses take care of you, and try and have a positive attitude. In a few days, you'll be back home and starting your new life. We'll be going through all this together! I'm sending both of you all my positive thoughts and prayers.

I didn't have a barium swallow test. My surgeon didn't require it. My guess is that you will simply have to sip it slowly, there is no other way. And thanks! I know you will do great too! Good luck! I'll be thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way.

Another thing to consider: If your therapist has given the OK for the surgery, then she likely feels that you have a reasonable understanding of what you are getting yourself into, and that you will be likely to be able to be successful with the procedure. It will take effort on your part, but it is totally something you can do. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and concerned is totally normal. Just prior to my surgery, I felt excited, elated, scared, and anxious all at the same time. Totally normal. For me, it was thinking about the alternative that made me even more anxious and afraid. Forever being obese and unable to enjoy life, and forever probably not being very much longer.

@@tssiemer Note that I said "fried" gyoza being a no-no. I don't know about steamed. I would be a bit careful about the outer covering, which is made with rice flour and might clump together in your pouch. I'd say try a piece of one (like half), wait half an hour, and see how you feel. I wouldn't try it until you are in the solid foods stage.

There was a study of alcohol after RNY surgery published in the "Journal of the American College of Surgeons". You can read the whole thing here: https://www.facs.org/media/press%20releases/jacs/gastricbypass0311 Note that the study shows we become MORE affected by alchohol as we heal from RNY surgery (effects are more pronounced at 6-months than at 3-months). One 5-ounce drink of wine was enough to raise the BAC over the legal driving limit. To put it in perspective, one drink after surgery approximately affects us like 4 before surgery. Also, they continue to warn that in RNY patients, there is a higher chance of abusing alcohol due to transference. Here are some excerpts: "The results of this unique demonstration of alcohol metabolism changes in gastric bypass patients showed that patients who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) operation had considerably higher breath alcohol content (BAC) and took significantly more time to return to a sober state after drinking, compared with BAC levels tested prior to having their procedure." "During the study, alcohol metabolism tests were performed on 19 morbidly obese patients before their RYGB operation and then measured again at three and six months post-operation. Patients also reported symptoms experienced when drinking and answered a questionnaire about their drinking habits." "The results showed peak BAC percentage of patients after drinking five ounces of red wine was significantly higher post-operation. BAC was 0.024 percent at pre-operation and 0.059 percent (p = 0.0003) at three months. Tested again at six months post-operation, the patients’ BAC was 0.088 percent (p = 0.0008) which is more than the legal driving limit of .08 percent. Additionally, it took 49 minutes for patients to reach a zero BAC prior to their operation compared with 61 minutes at three months and 88 minutes at six months post-operation." "RYGB patients need to understand that their body will respond to alcohol differently after their operation and they need to exercise caution if they choose to drink alcohol,” said Dr. Morton. “Our recommendation to all of our RYGB patients is never drink and drive and to limit consumption of alcohol to one standard drink (one 12-oz beer, 5-oz wine, or 2-oz liquor) for every two hours."

@@RGraham87 The only reason the surgeon would cancel your surgery is if there was a danger to you. Ask your surgeon and/or your psychiatrist.

I can't imagine why not, with some caveats. First, if you are talking about roll sushi or nigiri, or even hand roll, all of those contain rice, in particular sticky rice, which is likely to be a problem for your pouch (it will clump together and not move through the opening in your pouch). So, you would have to stick with sashimi, with no rice. And I would probably wait until you are in your solid foods stage too. I wouldn't consider uncooked fish to be a "soft food". Also, remember you will need to chew the sashimi thoroughly. Of course, no teriyaki chicken (sauce is essentially sugar), and no tempura (all deep fried), and no fried gyoza. But you could have the miso Soup, and you could have the edemame. You need to be careful with the sunomono salad (pickled cucumber salad), since that is normally pickled in a sweet vinegar. Not sure how much sugar is involved there, and that may be a problem. Even a normal salad usually has a sweet Japanese dressing, which is has sugar in it. In any case, I would probably wait until you were in your solid foods stage before I would consider even trying it.

@@Dub So sorry to hear about all of your problems with UHC. I have been watching you for months now, and I am so glad to hear you found a way to get the surgery in spite of the problems. I know you will be happy in your choice. Your personal strength, as well as your faith, are an inspiration to all of us.

Hello all! I had my surgery on Friday, and finally got back from the hospital yesterday (Sunday). Everything is going fine. I am still in a little pain, and I am still on the Norco, but I think I will change to Tylenol tomorrow. Overall, everything went great, my doctor was very happy with how the surgery went, no problems or issues. I have absolutely no hunger or cravings. Yesterday I had a half-cup of chicken broth and 3/4 of a Jello, and that's it. Today I had a Premier Protein shake (took me about 1/2 hour to drink the whole 11oz). I just keep sip, sip, sipping my Water. I've been walking down to the mailbox and back (a couple hundred steps each way) 5 or 6 times a day. My goal for today is 1500 steps, but we'll see. All in all, I'm in great spirits, and so excited to have had the surgery. I think I'm doing great, and look forward to continuing my recovery over the next few weeks. Thanks to everyone for all the positive wishes and thoughts!

I told a couple of people here already, I got home from the hospital yesterday afternoon, and everything is going very well. My first day after surgery, when I got my first sip of Water, they gave me a whole handful of medications I had to take, along with two "horse pills" (potassium). Ugh! I am certain that set me back at least half a day, those pills just seemed to sit in my pouch all day. Even the smallest sips of water hurt. By the second day, though, I was able to sip water without problems, and even ate a little chicken broth and Jello. It is funny how proud I was of myself for eating the chicken broth and jello! Later that day, they packed me up and sent me home. This morning I was able to finally have a Premier Protein shake. I completed the whole shake (11oz) in about half-an-hour. Now I am just sipping my water. I have to keep reminding myself only a small sip; if I accidentally take a mouthful, my pouch gives me a pain. My pain level has been really manageable. I am still on Norco, but only about 15ml each dose, and I expect that by tomorrow I will be moving to Tylenol. So, was it worth it? Totally! I am very excited, and positive, about things moving forward. I am certain that in a few days things will be even better, and I will be eating (well, drinking ) well. I have been walking quite a bit. I have set a goal for myself for today of 1500 steps. We'll see how I do. Slow and steady wins the race.

@@TMG1980TMG I got back from the hospital yesterday afternoon, and everything is well. I am still sore of course, but the pain is very tolerable. I still need the Norco they have me on, but I am using the smaller dose (15ml), and I think in a day or or so I will be able to change to tylenol instead. I have absolutely no appetite. The first day, I had difficulty drinking anything (even sipping Water hurt), so I was very concerned. But the second day was much better, and today even better yet. This morning I had my first Premier Protein shake, and I drank the whole 11oz. in about half an hour. Just have to keep remembering to sip, sip, sip my water so I don't get dehydrated. A few times I have forgotten and have taken in a whole mouthful; ugh! It hurt. Just sip, sip, sip. I am so happy to be on "the other side" though! Totally worth it. No regrets. Thanks everyone for all of the positive thoughts!

Hi All. Well, I just got home from the hospital. It's done! I was feeling awful yesterday, I was unable to drink anything and I was worried. But no reason. Things got much better overnight, and today I am drinking fine. I am about to sit down to some chicken broth and Jello, then lie down for a rest. Thanks for all of the warm thoughts my way! Talk to you all soon.

My surgery is this Friday, Sept. 11. I've been having this sort of waking dream, and I thought I'd share it with you all. I'm at a waterpark, and standing at the top of a huge waterslide. I've been climbing the stairs up to this slide for a long time, and there are just a few people in front of me. Then it'll be my turn. There's a slight breeze against my cheek, and as I look around I can see for miles around, a beautiful view. I feel kinda dizzy, and a bit scared, and a lot excited. I wonder what the ride will be like. I see a huge group of people at the bottom of the slide, all with smiles and jumping up and down. I can hear them, they are cheering me on, saying, "You can do it!", and "It's a great ride!" But when I look down, it looks so far away, and I have butterflies in my stomach the size of bowling balls thinking about going down. I know all I have to do is to let go, don't fight it, and ride the slide down to the bottom. There goes the last person ahead of me. It's my turn.

I'm going into surgery at 7:30am tomorrow morning. It's finally here! See y'all on the other side.

I am on my 9th day of the pre-op diet. The first three days are the worst; constant cravings. But try to distinguish whether it is truly physical hunger or head hunger. If you are drinking your Protein shakes, you should not be feeling physical hunger. Make sure you are getting plenty of liquids as well. I am allowed broth as well as shakes. I use chicken broth with Old Bay seasoning, and it is very tasty. I also drink lots of Vitamin Water Zero and Crystal Light Fruit Punch. SF Jello and SF popsicles are my dessert. You will be feeling better after three days. Good luck!

@@Dream4tc Thanks, that is what my wife and mom say too. I think I will leave it at home.

@@Brandon Long I would just be careful to not slide back into the eating style and habits you had pre-surgery. Remember we are on a new road to eating differently than we did before. The surgery will not magically keep you from regaining the weight, it is just a tool. Overindulgence in pizza and hamburgers are certainly part of what gets many people overweight in the first place (speaking from experience ).

I'm wondering whether I should bring my laptop to the hospital to watch movies? Will I be awake and aware enough to watch movies while I am in the hospital? Will they even let me have a laptop in the hospital?

I feel like a pygmy in the land of the Gods here with all of you veterans. It's almost blasphemous for me to reply in this thread, but I'd like to add my $0.02. It seems to me that the calorie load you are talking about is still likely below your daily burn. If that is the case, then as @@Alex Brecher says, the stall must end eventually. And remember that things the scale doesn't measure may be changing. At my surgeon's office, some of the other team members do something called "metabolic testing". This measures the number of calories your body uses in a day. Maybe if you can get such testing it would help you to find out what that caloric level is. In the end, it's calories in vs. calories out, right? Finally, at your point, I think I would measure my success not by a number on a scale but by how you feel about yourself. Are you satisfied with how you look and feel, and if not, then continue to work on losing until you do. Don't be a slave to a number on a scale. @@Djmohr, you are one of the most inspiring people to me. Your insights and advice are invaluable. Best of luck on your journey, and I send positive thoughts your way.

The stats on the fish you ate was (for 1 filet): Calories: 90 Fat: 3g (1g sat. fat, 1g poly. fat, 1g mono. fat) Cholesterol: 50mg Sodium: 310mg Carbs: 0g Protein: 15g So from a nutritional perspective, looks o.k. (does have sat. fat, but only 1g). Maybe as @@ANewMe83 says it was the seasoning, or maybe you are just having a bad reaction to fish. Unsure. Sorry no better answer.