Ashlegal

I have a good friend who had Lap-Band about five years ago and I have a co-worker who had Lap-Band two years ago. Both of them have not only had yo-yo'd weight loss but horrible complications due to the Band. When I mentioned to either one of them about my decision for Bypass, they both acted like I sprouted second head. They didn't understand why "I'd choose something so extreme, when the band has worked for them." I am glad that I could see through their denial and overcome my fear of doing something much more permanent than the Band.

No one ever on this site has made me feel not welcomed. Ever. I agree with your mentality about eating healthy foods. And to me healthy foods are not "sugar free", "low fat", "fat free." In other words food that has taken out fats, sugars, calories, carbs and added in crap chemicals are not healthy. I would rather lose weight slowly, while taking care of my body than eat crap food because it is low fat, sugar free, fat free or carb free. I think complex carbs are necessary for many healthy functions including going to the bathroom. So many WLS patients complain about having HORRIBLE constipation after surgery. Screw that, your body NEEDS Fiber and not just fiber found in a "mix" but actual fiber from foods. There are exceptions like cottage cheese, certain yogurts and cream cheeses that I'll buy low calorie/sugar versions but all in all, I will not eat chemically altered food. There is no reason why ANYONE should.

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. It is so frustrating, confusing, irritating, maddening, saddening and scream inducing when we get news that can make or break our well laid out plans. I had not 1, not 2, not 3 but 4 different surgery dates before I finally had surgery. Why? Because surgeons and insurance companies have a different idea of how to "do things." Meanwhile, we don't have ANY control over what either one of them does and get stuck in the middle of a crap storm. Ugh! My surgeon would call me with a date then a week later say "the insurance company says they need this, this and this before they'll approve it." So I'd rearrange my life to go take care of this, this and this. Then I'd get another call for another date from my surgeon. Then I'd get a call "your insurance company says they are missing notes from your PCP, they won't approve it until they have them. And you guess it, I'd take care of that and jump through another hoop, then another and always feel defeated. But you know what? You got this. No matter what they need, request or how big the hoop (or small) they need you to jump through, you can handle it. Don't give up and don't let them take your power away. Push through and in the end, you'll come out on top.

I was told no juice as it contains too much sugar. However, I was at a friends house for brunch yesterday and she offered me about 4 ounces of Trop 50, blended with Syntrax vanilla Torte and it was delish! It had Protein and less sugar/calories/carbs than plain ol' OJ. And it kicked that "I want Breakfast with a cup of O.J." craving I was having since before surgery.

When I finally was given permission to eat cottage cheese, I made sure it was low-fat and I didn't puree it. I did however "thin it out" with 2% Fairlife milk. Now at five weeks out, I just eat it as is from the container. Haven't had issues with it either way.

My Surgeon and my PCP told me that oral contraceptives are not recommended after WLS. The reason being is, they are not absorbed in a manner which would make them effective. My PCP and I decided that the DEPO shot would work best for ME as it suits my lifestyle and my medical needs. She gave me all the information on a number of non-oral contraceptives and I did consider the patch though I *personally* don't think it is for me. Nor did I think any IUD's or the NUVA-ring would be the right choice. I think a lot of it depends on your fertility needs, lifestyle, smoking habits and current medical needs. Talk to your Gyno and I am sure they will advise you on what is best for you. Good luck!

Why is it that some of use have different dietary guidelines post-op? Because NUTs and Surgeons have different plans for their patients. I never even had a pureed food stage. At day ten was I given the permission to move to soft Proteins. I too found it quite frustrating to see how different post-op care varied from person to person. I have complete and total faith in my Surgeon's plan for my weight loss and health.

I am sure you will find something on this Pinterest board and or this blog: https://www.pinterest.com/eggface/ http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2015/08/post-weight-loss-surgery-menus-day-in_25.html

You are putting too much pressure on yourself. 126 pounds in a year is a tremendous accomplishment and you deserve to give yourself a huge pat on the back for getting to this point. There are "stalls" in the process, I am only five weeks out and had my first stall a week ago and I am sure there are more to follow. If you are doing everything that is being asked of you, why do you feel it is not enough? Could it be that way because you have emotional struggles that need to be addressed by a therapist? Or could it be that you are comparing yourself to a version of yourself that may not exist (for the time being). Or is it that you have established muscle which weighs more than fat and switching your exercise routine may be the answer? Instead of beating yourself up, look for solutions in unexpected places. Maybe visit your nutritionist and get some feedback about your diet; she/he may suggest something different. Stress, sadness, the feeling of being overwhelmed won't make the scale tip in the direction you want. It may also contribute to weight gain and even worse a general feeling of malaise that will lead you down the path of turning to food for comfort. It is going to be okay and the number on the scale does not define who you are, your worth or take away any of your previous successes.

The moment I decided to have WLS (RNY) is still so fresh in my memory even though it happened well over a year ago. My mom had sent me some copies of some pictures she took at a family get together. And as I flipped through them, I noticed a very large woman, with frumpy clothes, double chins and she just appeared uncomfortable in her own skin. That woman was me and seeing what others saw and not just what I imagined while looking in the mirror, hit me like a ton of bricks. It took me a month of long hard research, hospital visits, two different surgeon consultations and a diabetes diagnosis to finally commit to the decision. For over a year and one denial letter, I jumped through hoops, went to what felt like a million doctors appointments, blood draw, pre-screenings, tests, labs and seminars. I felt like I was running up hill with weights tied around my ankles. But all my determination, dedication and patience paid off and I am now a month post-op. I feel better everyday and do not for a second regret anything that has led me to this point. You have made a very brave, wise and empowering decision. You will ultimately be the best person you have always had in you and your daughter will have a mother she can admire, be inspired by and have in her life for a long, long time. Just keep that in mind when the journey's road gets a little bumpy or the nerves seem to be winning; keep in mind why you have made this decision and I can guarantee, it is all going to be alright.

Congratulations! Stay positive! Stay strong! Don't be afraid to ask for support of any variety! This is decision is going to take you down one hell of a ride. Hang on tight and remember to breath.

I have them and I don't know what they are. After a little Googling, I still don't know what they are but have discovered WE are not alone. Many, many WLS patients have them and while it doesn't solve the mystery it at least helps to know it is relatively normal.

I remember the first Protein Powder I bought absolutely disgusted me! I took two sips and told my husband "I can't do this, this is horrible!" I went online and did some research found this woman's blog and Pinterest board; all my protein woes disappeared. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2015/08/post-weight-loss-surgery-menus-day-in_25.html https://www.pinterest.com/eggface/ I have discovered that with some inspiration, trial and error and creativity, getting enough protein in shouldn't be a problem. I have been eating Oikos Triple Zero Yogurt. It was 15 grams of protein and if I mix the banana Cream or Vanilla Flavor with PB2 powder I can get up to 20 grams of protein per serving. And yes there are more calories in the Triple Zero than the Dannon L&F but it taste way better.

I never had a pureed phase. The first seven days after surgery I was on a clear liquid, Protein shake, strained Soup, sugar free Jell-O, broth and sugar free popsicle diet. Then on days 8 and 9 I was cleared to move onto low fat cottage cheese, plain yogurt (not pieces), sugar free pudding, creamed Soups, soft cheeses and the like. By day ten I was given the green light for soft Proteins, soft scrambled eggs, canned tuna, shrimp, salmon, imitation crab, ground turkey, moist chicken, lean deli meats in addition to yogurt, pudding, creamed soups, soft cheeses. At a month I could add well cooked veggies, fruit without skin (canned was recommended) and to add small amounts of milk with protein (Fairlife) into my diet. I have handled everything with ease outside of not chewing well and eating too fast. I have to time myself plus eat from a toddler sized spoon. I take a small bite every two minutes and once I slowed down, I had no problems with anything I was given permission to eat.

I was so, so, so very, very fortunate to not ever have to worry about a pureed stage. But, I agree with @@tiggerbug as mixing all those together in puree form what be the problem, the problem will be if it doesn't sit well, which component gave you problems. Plus, there are a lot of food you are adding that cause gas and bloating. You might want to reconsider adding those types of foods until you no longer have gas/bloating due to surgery. Which may take up to six weeks.

I hopped in my husband's beater around town truck to take my dogs to the park. Now normally because I am so short I have to move the seat up so I can reach the peddles, the steering wheel, radio and gear shift. And normally I have to do this standing inside the door because my belly was too big to reach the manual lever located underneath the seat. Today I got in totally forgetting that step for a second I almost jumped out but instead I went for it. And guess what? I was able to comfortably reach underneath me and move my seat up! I was so excited! I felt like a total weirdo with tears in my eyes heading towards the dog park.

My surgeon told me for the first three months I am not to worry about measuring my food. I simply take food from my list of approved foods and eat slow small bites until I feel "full." He said some foods I may end up taking three bites and others seven. The biggest issue for at least the first three months is Protein, fluids and Vitamins. Not calories, not portion control but simply making sure my body is healing. Which simply includes getting 50 grams of protein daily, 64 ounces of fluids and making sure I am getting in exercise, vitamins and decent sleep everyday. He says when we get to six months we will discuss portion control, calorie intake and moving past the "honeymoon" phase into maintenance. Maintenance tends to happen at a year out but learning healthy habits along the way lends a hand in being a successful WLS patient.

liquids are just as gross if not more so than chewables and much harder to find, plus much more expensive; especially considering how much we are requested to take everyday until we die. The other important factor is not taking your multi-Vitamin (with iron) and Calcium citrate two hours apart. Also buying B12 that is no sublingual, and I found ones at Wal-Mart for $2.88 that hardly have a taste and dissolve quickly.

Another option is to buy unsweetened Almond milk even vanilla Almond Milk Unsweetened and use that as a mix-in. You can also try to find Torani NS in a variety of flavors to add to the protein/almond milk mixture to give it more yum factor. If you have a blender, you can pump some Torani (the same syrups used in your favorite coffee shop, just sugar free) some ice, almond milk and Protein powder to give ya a little milkshake action. I actually prefer the Premier Protein and Atkins pre-made Protein shakes (you can find both them at Wal-Mart) then I stick them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. The colder they are the better! The Premier Protein shakes have 30 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar and 100 calories. They really are not that bad and a hell of a lot better than powder. If you prefer powder look for a brand Syntrax nectar they can be found on Amazon, Vitamin Shoppe and GNC. Their chocolate truffle and vanilla bean torte are great! They also have fruity flavors and I believe unflavored kinds. They mix well and taste great. Thank you! I literally just poured a protein drink that I made with milk down the drain because a few sips in and my tummy hurt! I now am trying to get down a protein powdered drink mixed with just the powder and Water and it doesn't seem to be nearly as bad. I just can't stand the taste of protein powder. I am going to go search the stores later today to see if I can find that no flavour protein powder. I think it's called Isopure. I really do hope this gets better because I can't imagine feeling like this forever. So far I still believe this was totally worth it and I am so ready to kick ass with weight loss and success but at this moment it feels still so far away!

@@heather5565 You will feel like crap as long as you are not getting your fluids in and what are you mixing your Protein powder with? If it is with milk, you may have developed a intolerance to lactose. Many WLS patients experience lactose intolerance after surgery even with no issues pre-op. Just remember it does get better! Hopefully soon you start to feel more "normal."

It is a double edged sword. On one hand the humanitarian in you (and in most of us) can see a hurt soul and immediately relate. In that relation we somehow negotiate our own self worth and how we would want to be treated if in their shoes. We convince ourselves that it will either a. get better, b. is only the best we deserve, or c. we'll be complete and total a**sholes if we left. It is a cat and mouse game of epic proportions. We seek any shred of decency and hold on for dear life. Then when it escapes, flees and runs and hides, we blame ourselves for letting it get away.

Yesterday I went to my PCP. She is awesome, I love her and I hope I never, ever, ever have to be without her for my medical needs. She has been a guiding light through my WLS journey. Anyway. Before she even looked at my chart, she took one look at me and said "Oh my goodness girl, you are shrinking!" With tears in my eyes I said "but I haven't lost any weight in the last week, something must be wrong!" After she helped wiped the tears and soothe my insecurities she commented that it appears as if I am losing inches, rather than pounds. Huh? I don't understand and before she could explain we were got off track talking about birth control, migraine medicine, Iron supplements and other topics of health related interest(s). So, is it possible to be losing inches and not pounds? Is that really a "thing" or was she just trying to make me feel better?

I remember when my sister first started Paleo eating habits, she appeared as if she was melting. It seemed as if every other week when we would visit, she was getting smaller. When I mentioned it she would say "really?! I've only lost about 12 pounds (or 15 or 22 or 24) and didn't think it would be a big enough loss to make a difference." I just thought she was under playing her weight loss as to not make me feel bad about my size or her scale was way off. I did some Googling (oh that Google, so damn smart) and discovered several articles on the issue. http://woman.thenest.com/can-lose-inches-not-pounds-11058.html http://www.livestrong.com/article/304338-why-am-i-losing-inches-not-pounds-with-diet-and-exercise/ http://www.3fatchicks.com/why-you-may-be-losing-inches-but-not-weight/ I still am not quite sure how it all works but I'll taking losing ANYTHING over gaining, any day.

Though I haven't lost a chunk of my weight (let's be honest, at this point I have only lost pieces) I am starting to see a shape take place. It appears as if I wasn't always meant to be "round" and will most likely take on a more of a hour glass/inverted triangle shape.

I have talked to several WLS patients that complain about being lethargic 5-6 to three months post-op. Everyone is different and I was back to work at ten days post-op and didn't have any issues with getting through the day. The first week was rough but once I started upping my Protein, Fluid and taking my Vitamins, my energy received a huge boost. I am a month (and a few days) post-op and I feel better today than I did yesterday, than I did a month again, than I did even three months pre-op. I would imagine once you start upping your calories (through protein) and making sure you are getting in enough fluids, you'll start to feel better.