Ashlegal

I started walking a mile five days post-op. I started Yoga for beginners three weeks post-op and this week I will start Water aerobics, I am currently six weeks post-op. Every plan is different.

The only powders that I have enjoyed or the Syntrax Sweets. Syntrax has a huge variety of flavors, ranging from chocolate, to fuzzy navel and even an ice tea w/lemon flavor. I order mine from Amazon as it is just easier that way. I blend my in a little nutri-bullet with ice, unsweetened almond milk, a pump or two of SF Torani syrup and plain greek yogurt. It ends up feeling more like a treat and less like a requirement.

@@viaasskick It isn't rude. You assign a tone of voice when you are reading the comments left. I don't want anyone to fail at WLS and if that means I don't sugar coat how hard the process is, or how dedicated you need to be or how challenging the journey is, then so be it. This is a HUGE decision one that is so much more than just losing weight. It is a radical change in a person's life, it is a total turn around from where they have been for many, many years and it never gets easy, just easier. The program is designed to a. see how dedicated you are to your WLS success, b. prepare you for the dramatic change that occurs, c. give you invaluable resources and d.) keep you focused on your goals. Without it you are setting yourself up for a hard difficult road that will ultimately end in failure. This is not an EASY solution to a problem. This is not a cure all, a quick fix, a magical means to get skinny. It is going to be one of the most difficult decisions you have ever made for yourself and it deserves everything you have. You have to throw yourself into this decision with all your heart, all your mind and all your body. It is all or nothing.

I'm sorry. I haven't suffered any constipation; I am six weeks post-op and even taking daily meds that contribute to bowl problems, I don't suffer. I have heard a million different ideas from posters on here and another forum I frequent. Many have their own "regiment" of stool softeners, Miralax, tea, juice, Fiber supplements and making sure you are getting PLENTY of fluids.

I am six weeks post-op and do eat in a similar fashion. My surgeon, my NUT and my PCP tell me it is better for me to be in the habit of eating Protein dense foods throughout the day than to try to lump all my needs into three meals. I get between 50-60 grams of protein in a day and between 600-800 calories in daily. I seem to be losing and I agree with the idea that this journey is not a sprint. I am too totally comfortable with losing the weight slower than maybe average. I feel confident in my personal plan and it is nice to hear that someone else is on the same page. @@transporter85 I was two weeks out and thought I would never get to a normal place with food. I thought it would always be a demanding chore that may or may not end in some sort of punishment. It gets better and when it does the chore becomes staying the course with good eating habits.

Imagine waking up in a ton of pain, in the hospital, feeling like crap and being told by the surgeon, "unfortunately your liver was too big to complete the surgery, we are going to have to try again when you lose more weight." So there you are poked, prodded, dehydrated, tired, sick, in pain and not on your way to a new you. That is what happens when people don't lose the required weight, that is happens when they don't have all that stupid information, support or resources. Good luck with that.

In the mornings Breakfast comes in two stages. First stage is four ounces of 2% Fairlife Milk. I keep a couple of coffee mugs in the freezer and they keep my milk cold as I sip on the milk. Even slightly less than ice cold milk is yuck! When the rest of the family is waking up, needing breakfast, coffee, lunches made and what not; I usually have some form of egg (usually lightly scrambled) with some shredded cheese, a little hot sauce and a few small bites of Turkey sausage (or Turkey bacon). I stay pretty full from about 6-10 between the milk, the eggs and the turkey. By ten I'm starting to feel hungry and will then snack on either a cheese stick, a Babybel or Tillamook cheese snack. At lunch (between 12-1) I will have a Laughing Cow cheese wedge, spread over two thin slices of either turkey or chicken from my local deli. I usually dip them in Spicy Mustard. I don't ever need more than that but sometimes I will eat another half cheese stick. Sometimes I have shrimp (steamed from home) dipped in homemade cocktail sauce or chicken salad from my grocer. Sometimes I will eat the chicken (or egg or tuna) salad with a few Wheat Thins. By three or three thirty I will have a Greek Yogurt. I aim for no more than 10 grams of sugar, no less than 12 grams of Protein and no more than 100 calories. This gives me lots of options. Chobani Simply 100, Dannon Light and Fit, Oikos Triple Zero. Some flavors work well with PB2 powder (Jiffy makes one that has equal nutritional value) and with that I can up my protein intake from 12 to 16 or 17 grams of protein. dinner is always varied but centers around lean Proteins and well cooked non-starchy veggies (green Beans, asparagus, zucchini, squash). Last night I roasted a whole chicken in my dutch oven, had a slice of that with a quarter of mashed sweet potato and a few fresh (steamed) green beans with lemon and pepper. My nutritional goals are at this time to consume no more than 50 grams of carbs, 600-800 calories, 20 grams of sugar and at least 50 grams of protein. I have steadily lost 2-5 pounds a week since surgery, I have never been constipated, thrown up or lethargic. This works for me, it may not work for anyone else but my surgeon, my PCP and my NUT are happy with my plan.

I have a few friends/family members who have had surgery 10+ years ago and the biggest complication any of them have dealt with is vitamin/nutrient deficiency. This is not uncommon but is closely related to the individual's lack of proper care post-op. People grow lax and more comfortable with their diets therefore they are not as stringent on taking their Vitamins, eating the right foods and getting their labs checked regularly.

For a few months (mostly during late nights) I would read, read, read about WLS. I feverishly read any material I could run my eyes by or get in my hands. It all started when I went to a PCP appointment and for the first time in YEARS looked at the scale when they weighed me. I saw that number and instantly felt a lump in my throat and it felt like the world fell out from underneath me. It was a number that didn't register when I looked in the mirror or when I tried on clothes or when I hurt with every step I took. That number was a number I couldn't wrap my mind around as being that size meant I wasn't just "chubby" or "thick" or "curvy" but MORBIDLY OBESE. Then it hit me hard and clicked in my brain that everything I was dealing with emotionally, physically and mentally was related to how heavy I had grown in just over two years. Yes, a lot happened in those two years but I have been "heavy" my entire life and was officially that girl I never thought I'd be. Obese. Miserable. Anxious. Sad. Unhealthy and Insecure. I knew my only hope was drastic measures. I didn't know that those measures would be until I started researching my options, talking to my doctors, going to OA meetings and reflecting on what my weight loss goals needed to be. And while I have a list a mile long as to why I had surgery, when ever anyone asks, I simply reply "because I want to." Be proud that you know there needs to be a change. Be satisfied with yourself that you have the realization to make those changes. Be excited about the future and the endless possibilities that awaits. Be comforted in knowing you are not alone. And most importantly be patient with yourself as this road as a WLS patient is curvy, loopy, bumpy, rough and exciting.

My surgeon requested I take Omega-3's that include DHA and EPA. During the first month he suggested a liquid, well I never found one that was affordable and or convenient to travel with. After the first month he said I was allowed to move over to soft-gels but all the ones I have seen are HUGE! Same with the Calcium Citrate. Chewables are not a financially friendly means as most need you to chew 2-4 to get the base amount and I am required 1500 mg's a day. That would be 8 chews a day at 240 a month. If the average chewable cost between 15-20 bucks for 60, that alone could cost me almost $100 a month. Yikes! Any suggestions? Thoughts? Ideas? Insults?

My mamaw would make homemade peach, butter pecan and the richest vanilla to ever touch my lips. We as kids would take turns cranking the beat up old ice cream churner, rock salt would be scattered everywhere, little blisters would start to creep up on our fingers and yet we were slaves to the sugar, cream and fruit mixture. I wasn't raised in the South but I was raised by Southerners. Everything was made with artery clogging love. Even the pot of hamhock and Beans simmering on the stove for hours was meant to shorten your life span.

More than weight contributes to obtaining an insurance approval. I lost 15 pounds in nine days prior to surgery and could have lost another 20 more, my BMI was really high, I had 3 weight related comorbidities and those were bigger reasons to have surgery than just my weight. During the first six months (standard requirement) of post-op weigh ins, tests, labs and screenings, you are technically not approved for surgery. You are only following protocol required by both your doctor and insurance prior to submitting clearance. I'd look through my insurance's handbook (most are online) and find out their EXACT criteria for approval.

Between my house, my school and my office, I pass two Safeways, two Whole Foods, two Wal-Mart Super Centers, one Targer Super, three Sprouts Farmer's Markets and absolutely ZERO TJ's. Whole Foods and Sprouts are my go-to's. Followed by Safeway. All of them have a great selection of Natural/Organic meats, cheeses, dairy, Snacks, drinks, fruits, veggies, deli products, health and beauty. Plus Safeway (Vons) has an AWESOME gas reward program. Last week I saved $0.50 on gas making it a $1.49 a gallon. Woo hoo! BUT, if there was a TJ's anywhere close to my 38 mile radius commute, it would be my numbero uno go-to. Before I moved I had one within walking distance and I would make-up excuses to go mill around.

I was laying in pre-op, IV hooked up, completely naked under a hospital gown and thinking "just get up, walk away, go get some damn pancakes (or chicken fried steak, or a Denver omelette or a club sandwich or a Reuben with sweet potato fries)." I was always talking myself in and out of surgery even moments before being taking into the operating room. Some nights I would lay in bed on my back, feel my weight making it hard to breath, get comfortable, feel all the aches and pains and I'd think "this is ridiculous, I am a prisoner in my own body and I need to get out!" Then the next afternoon I'd meet with one of my BB friends and there would be a nagging "it is okay to be big and beautiful, society needs to accept me for me." I'd take a bite of whatever I was having and try to convince myself surgery was too extreme for me, I just need to exercise more and eat less. Then night would come around and the cycle would repeat itself. In the end, I had surgery and I'm not going to lie, the first week (or so) is so emotional, so overwhelming, painful, draining and abnormal; I regretted the surgery through out the day. But everyday it got a little better, a little more and more so after that and now six weeks post-op, I am so, so, so happy I made the decision to go through with surgery. And you will too.

My mother used to tell me "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

I use Amazon Prime for my Protein powders and everything else in my life I *think* I cannot live without. I placed my order on Netrition and after going a little crazy, my total was fairly cheap and flat-rate shipping was terrific! I will probably do a review of some of the items I purchased. I love reading reviews and I think they are a helpful in many, many ways!

You'll always be a diva. Just a thinner, healthier, more confident version of the one you were before.

I didn't say anything about quantity. In fact I never assumed you at a lot of anything in particular but you didn't get obese by eating salads, fresh fruits, veggies, lean Proteins and working out 5 times a week. Your relationship with food is what caused the weight to stick. I didn't eat crap food prior to surgery. I had not had fast food in years prior to surgery nor had I had anything pre-packaged, conveniently made or deep fried for months and months before surgery. I ate clean, mostly paleo, home prepared and super fresh. But I ate more than necessary, never exercised and used food as a way to make me feel happy, Celebrate, calm my nerves, cure boredom, as an excuse to indulge and it was my best friend. So while I made healthy food choices, I didn't have healthy eating habits. I enjoy food completely differently than I did six weeks ago. I see it as a way to let my body heal, get nutrients, make it do amazing things and to keep me going. I made white chili chicken the other night and even though I was only capable of 5 bites, those five bites were amazing. When I was in Vegas, I went out to eat with some friends and ordered a shrimp appetizer that was divine. I was so stoked to have left-overs at 2 in the morning when we made it back to the room after a night of Black Jack. Eating is different after surgery but it can be pleasurable, enjoyable and something to do with friends, family and during other social events. I'm not missing quantity of food I miss quality. Actually, I never ate a lot of food, I just ate junk (chips, soda, candy) The act of enjoying eating... However, I did enjoy food that is considered healthy like tuna and chicken etc but not anymore. That's not something I think should be forfeited. The idea is that why can't you be healthy and enjoy what you eat at the same time? but I have to deal with this new reality.

My NUT and my Surgeon don't have a "one size fits all" mentality in their plans for their patients. They work with us an individuals and not as patients of WLS. There are certain universal guidelines but each plan varies from patient to patient. Because of that I follow my personal plan established by me, my surgeon, my NUT and my therapist to the T. I do not waiver in their expectations, requirements, plan details and goals for me. I know that the plan is put into place for me not only to succeed but to feel empowered by my decision, new way of life and a new me.

It is a trade off. And you probably need to work with a therapist in dealing with your relationship with food. Many of us (including myself) have sought help from support groups, therapists and mentors to overcome our unhealthy love affair with food. You are right, food is no longer the pleasure it once was. You didn't expect to go on this radical transformation and still eat how you did prior to WLS? Right? You made the decision because eating was killing you, being obese was killing you, being uncomfortable in your own skin was killing you and you are now not being killed by food, your weight or the body you once had. You can either survive to eat or eat to survive. You made the right decision. Remember, nothing and I do mean nothing taste as good as being thin, looking good, being healthy and having self confidence feels.

I am glad you have a disclaimer for your attitude as your "signature."

I will not deprive myself of anything in moderation. That being said, I didn't get to almost 300 pounds because I did anything in moderation, including food. I truly believe depriving yourself is a catalyst to failure. You will fill punished, you will feel regret, you will feel isolated, you will left-out and eventually those feelings will lead you to not just one slice of cake but several pieces, then those pieces give you permission to eat something else equally bad and before you know it you have started the journey of the slippery slope to weight gain. I understand that it takes great dedication to your health to decide on WLS and with that dedication came sacrifices. Many of those sacrifices include "tempting food" but for many people a slice of pie is just a slice of pie or a few french fries it just a few french fries. Being a WLS patient doesn't mean you give up the joy of tempting food. It simply means you know when and how to make the splurge.

It could be a number of things but "drinking a ton" does not equate to "enough." My Surgeon for the first month post-op wanted me drinking 6 - 16.9 bottles of Water a day. Not only was it SUPER difficult but overwhelming. But I contribute the fact that I followed those orders to my easy healing process. Did you drink caffeine before surgery? Maybe it's the pain meds. Maybe it's just your body's way of telling you to rest, get more Protein and drink more fluids. Or it could just be that four days after surgery your body is going through an incredible transition. It is purging all the gas, fluids, IV meds and anesthesia on top of being cut off from calories, carbs, caffeine. It also just maybe a food (hunger) headache. They are real. They are brutal and you just have to ride them out.