Clementine Sky

I've actually used bananas as a replacement for Desserts I ate in the past (rarely ever Oreos, but occasionally), but have them sparingly. For me the biggest benefit is that bananas are more filling and satisfying, whereas I could graze on processed Snacks and not reach the point of being full. For those who do like bananas, this "ice cream" is surprisingly good and simple to make: http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-creamy-ice-cream-with-just-one-ingredient-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-93414 During my active weight loss phase I had either Trader Joe's or Dole's chocolate covered bananas almost every night as my treat. If memory serves they have around 15 carbs per serving. It's not really low carb, but it's not outrageously high in carbs, either. It was just sweet enough to keep me from obsessively craving a brownie or some other indulgence that has thrice the carbs and calories. I think the list the OP provided of lower-carb fruits is definitely good to reference. I love, love, love carbs, and lower-carb fruit smoothies (made with high Protein Greek yogurt) have helped me to have a moderate amount so I'm happy with what I'm eating and happy with the number on the scale. Weight loss on a lower-carb but not strictly low carb diet has been much more sustainable for me.

There's a popular boutique store near the campus where I teach that (controversially) only carries small sizes. It mainly appeals to teens, but in the window I saw a gorgeous, age-appropriate dress and decided to try it on. It fit perfectly. AND as a bonus the girl ringing me up assumed I was a college student and was going to give me the student discount. Haha. That was a blissful feeling for many reasons.

That's fantastic! When it comes to carbs I think quality and quantity are both imperative. Wholesome forms of it in modest amounts can be beneficial. I do have to be mindful about how many carbs I eat, but actually have found that I lose the most weight, feel the best, and can sustain weight loss if I stay in the 50 to 100 or thereabouts range. I used to lose a lot of weight with very low carb diets, and then gain it all right back. I'll typically have a breakfast that is higher in carbs (high Protein Greek yogurt smoothie where the carbs are from fruit and kale, or oatmeal with unflavored Protein powder blended in), and scale back with the other meals and Snacks. I haven't lost anywhere close to 130 pounds (extremely impressive!), but I have lost enough to go from a BMI of 32 to 19.1 as of today. My weight loss over the past year has been relatively slow, probably in part because of having more carbs, but the silver lining has been minimal hair loss, absolutely no loose skin, and no regain.

I'm so happy for you!

I contacted Tijuana Bariatrics in early August and was able to book my surgery with Dr. Garcia for August 18. I could have scheduled a sooner date, but was wanting that week because it's when my parents were flying over. (They were my support team since my husband was working then.) I'm surprised the coordinator is skating around your question. I was approved quickly, even though I'd been rejected by insurance due to my BMI being under 35. I hope you're able to book a surgery date that works well for you soon, and that you have great success.

My dietician recommended steel cut oatmeal for breakfast, with a splash of milk, cinnamon, Peanut Butter, or a little fruit to jazz it up rather than adding in sugar or syrup. This article discusses some of the benefits: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-steel-cut-oats-2053.html Trader Joe's sells frozen steel cut oatmeal that is surprisingly good, and nice for a quick, 1-dish breakfast. Sometimes I'll use a crockpot to make my own batch for the week. I prefer them cold (odd, I know) with some Fair Life milk. You can stir in an unflavored Protein powder like GENEPRO, or even a flavored one that enhances the oatmeal. Definitely avoid the packaged flavored oatmeal, like those by Quaker Oats. As for how many carbs to have in a day, I think it's really individual. I was advised to aim for around 50 grams to 100 per day. I've been successful with rapidly losing weight on low carb diets, but I've never had success at sustaining that weight loss. It's too restrictive for me, and I think it is for many people. The type of carb also matters a lot, of course. I try to get most of mine from fruit, vegetables, oatmeal, and things like crisp bread. Carbs are a good way to get in some fiber.

I live in Santa Monica. I went to Tijuana for the VSG last August because my BMI was under 35 so insurance wouldn't pay a cent. I had a fantastic experience and terrific results, but if I could have done it locally I would have for the convenience. I've gone to doctors at Cedars for years. It's a fantastic hospital. Best wishes!!!!

I thought this might be of interest to the community: http://www.medicaldaily.com/permanent-weight-loss-bariatric-surgery-most-effective-treatment-obesity-396598

Thanks!

Could you please let me know what app you're using? Thanks.

From your most recent post it sounds like you now have the information needed, but I'll copy and paste below what Tijuana Bariatrics sent me last year (it could have since been updated) in case anyone else is seeking it: Pre-Op Instructions Gastric Sleeve, Plication and Lap Band Use any prepared canned or powdered Protein drink. You may purchase these in any health food store or many grocery stores. Please be sure it contains at least 15 grams of protein per serving. 1 Protein Drink at Breakfast 1 protein drink at lunch Dinner: salad with Protein (chicken, fish, egg, etc), small amount of low fat dressing, or fat free dressing or olive oil and vinegar. 1 protein drink in the evening if needed You may also take 1 Metamucil capsule per day if needed for hunger. Start this phase the day before surgery: Do a light breakfast the day prior to surgery and take only Clear liquids after that. This consists of broth, Jell-o, sugar-free juice, any clear liquid You may have nothing to eat or drink after the midnight preceding surgery or 8 hours prior to it. If you are a Same Day Surgery arrive with an empty stomach and wear compression stockings during your trip. You may take needed medications (such as heart or blood pressure medications) with sips of Water the morning of surgery as directed by our Doctors. Do not take any aspirin, Advil, Nuprin, Aleve or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication for 7 days prior to surgery. These medications cause unnecessary bleeding after surgery. This includes baby aspirin and most arthritis medications. If you are not sure, please check with our Doctors.. For headache or minor pains you may use Tylenol. You may restart these medications the next day after surgery. Do not take any herbal medications for 7 days prior to surgery. Bring comfortable shoes and slippers to Mexico, you will be asked to walk several times per day. Please bring your medications in properly labeled pharmaceutical bottles for documentation of dosages. You will be on a liquid and soft food diet for two weeks after surgery. Stock up on sugar-free liquids: Crystal Light, sugar free fruit juices, apple sauce, yogurt, sugar-free pudding, sugar-free jell-o, thin Soups and caffeine-free teas. If you do not like the flavor of chicken broth, make chicken noodle Soup and strain out the solids. Avoid all carbonated beverages (fills the stomach with gas). Avoid sugar (extra calories that fight against weight loss). Caffeine makes you urinate more and can lead to dehydration. You will need to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration after surgery. Sport drink bottles with measurements on the side will help ensure you are drinking enough liquid. You will need to drink at least two quarts (2,000cc) per day to prevent dehydration. You will not be able to gulp liquids so you will want to drink small amounts throughout the day. RNY/Bypass, Mini Bypass and DS Start this phase 2 days before surgery: Take a laxative (any laxative that you usually use). Take only clear liquids after that. This consists of broth, Jell-o, sugar-free juice, Gatorade and any clear liquid. You may have nothing to drink after the midnight preceding surgery or 8 hours prior to your surgery. If you are a Same Day Surgery arrive on an empty stomach and wear compression stockings. *Please follow the pre-op diet as instructed below 1. BMI’s 30 to 31 no diet-only clears liquids the day prior to surgery 2.-BMI's 32 to 39 - 7 days 3.-BMI's 40 to 49- 10 days 4.- BMI's 50 to 59- 14 days 5.- BMI's 60 to 69- 21 days 6.-BMI's 70 and over- 1 month

Mine went well, everything and everyone was really nice. Alot off people complain about gas pain, but mine wasn't that bad. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App Mine wasn't either. I brought two boxes of Gas X strips and mainly used them for preventative measures rather than because of any discomfort. Another woman was in pain because of gas, and so I gave her the second box. She said it helped her immensely. I definitely recommend them.

I had surgery with Dr. Garcia in August of 2015, and booked through Tijuana Bariatrics. I had a very positive experience with him and the medical staff at CER, who were attentive and caring. I did not receive much follow-up care, but I also didn't seek it out since I'd already made prior arrangements with my endocrinologist for blood work and other necessities. Anything not covered in the binder of information they gave me I could ask about here, or find information on the websites for bariatric centers. Dr. Garcia also maintains a blog with some posts about how to eat. He is a sweet man, and I think he did an excellent job. I've had no complications, and met my goal. My only regret is that I didn't do the single incision procedure since it was just $1000 more. My skin isn't loose like I feared it would be, and it would be awesome to feel more confident in a bikini now that I've gotten to a weight where I actually want to wear one at the beach. The scars aren't hideous by any means, but I'm fair skinned, so they're still noticeable a year on. The only negative aspect of CER was under construction at that time (it hopefully is completely finished by now) and that was incredibly noisy. I would bring some earplugs just to be safe. My room was spacious, private, and comfortable otherwise. I brought an HDMI cable to hook my laptop loaded with movies to the TV to help pass time during recovery. My parents were my support team since my husband was working that week, and they had their own room for the week at the Marriott. You can have your support people stay in the room with you for no additional costs, but other family members there at the same time as us said it was a bit uncomfortable for them. The chaise lounge in the room pulls out flat, but isn't a substitute for a real bed. Nurses come in throughout the night to check on you, which is of course to your benefit but will wake up anyone else in the room, too. The Marriott was a bit dated, but still quite nice, and everyone who worked there was very eager to please. My parents were taken by their shuttle van to and from the clinic every day, free of charge. I also had a mostly positive experience with the coordinators I worked with at Tijuana Bariatrics. They weren't pushy, but were attentive. The only snafu was a problem with my hotel reservation at the Marriott, which was mildly annoying because I'd asked numerous times for the reservation confirmation number in the days before I headed down to Tijuana. It got worked out within an hour, though, so it wasn't much of an issue. The drivers picking us us and taking us back across the border were great, too. Best wishes to you! Edit to add - I live in LA and just drove down there, but I wouldn't be that concerned about a flight. I had enough energy to go shopping at the outlet center just over the border and to a few places along the way. The only discomfort I was in was due to a reaction to the surgical tape used over the incisions. It caused itchiness and little welts. I read that having a small pillow to place in between your lap and the plane's seatbelt can help. I wasn't hungry at all that day, but at CER they gave me Gatorade so I sipped on that, and also got a sugar free iced tea from Starbucks, and then some broth from Panera for lunch. If you're going to have a connecting flight then you probably could find a Starbucks and perhaps even a Panera at the airport.

I'm a professor, and though our hours aren't nearly as early as yours likely are, they're early enough to mandate caffeine, haha. My dietician recommended decaf at first, and then gingerly testing out the real deal. That's exactly what I did. A bariatric surgeon named Dr. Matthew Wiener who has several worthwhile videos on YouTube stated that it's really up to the individual tolerance level of the patient. Some people experience problems, and therefore should avoid coffee. Others actually derive benefit from it. I had surgery in mid-August of last year, and by the time the quarter began the third week of September was almost up to my routine coffee consumption (enormous mug with higher Protein milk in the morning, and an afternoon iced latte).

As mentioned above, there's are vegan Protein powders that you might like. The brands I see most often at the (outrageously overpriced but very popular) juice cafes near me are SunWarrior and KaChava. I've never spotted KaChava at a store, but I've seen sample sizes as well as the tubs of SunWarrior at Whole Foods. I would definitely start off with a sample if you can find one. I want to say that I saw them at Sprouts as well, but I'm not entirely positive. You could do a search on Amazon of vegan protein powders and read the reviews for more feedback, and to read the ingredients list. The Vitamin Shoppe carries an almond milk that is low in carbs and much higher in protein than other brands, while still being reasonably tasty (in my opinion). The last time I bought it they had a 2 for 1 deal. Hemp milk or cashew nut milk might also blend with a Protein powder nicely.

You look gorgeous! Congratulations!

I've never attempted to cook with it or been that adventuresome. I mainly add it to coffee and smoothies. My husband adds it to oatmeal and applesauce.

This is the channel for the woman I mentioned above whose videos I watched last year: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_NOWDnanmOTEwRAkghYNjQ

There are reputable bariatric surgeons outside of the US who have done excellent work at a fraction of the cost. My insurance was't going to the VSG because my BMI was under 35 and they didn't view my PCOS as a grounds for coverage, and the local surgeons I consulted with charged between $29,000 to $35,000. I had the surgery at a sparkling clean and comfortable clinic with a fantastic surgeon in Tijuana (Dr. Fernando Garcia) last August for $4200, which included my hotel stay at the Marriott. I've had zero complications, met my goal weight, and my blood work is fantastic. I know there are also quality surgeons in Europe and Asia. From what I understand the DS is more complicated and fewer surgeons perform it, but there are still many who do. When I was going through YouTube videos last year before surgery to learn more about people's experiences with it, I saw one from a woman who had the DS with dr. Ponce de leon in Mexico. She was very pleased with her results.

I've had the Chobani Flips for treats, but I prefer yogurt that is higher in Protein and lower in carbs for meals. I believe the Flips have around 26 carbs for 12 grams of protein (though my memory is a bit hazy on this), whereas some other yogurts have a reverse carb to protein ratio. My current favorite is the Trader Joe's brand of plain Greek yogurt that has around 22 grams of protein and 7 grams of carbs. I also like Fage, which is far more readily available. I primarily buy plain Greek or Bulgarian yogurt and then jazz them up by using them as the base of smoothies. I blend a cup of yogurt, some frozen kale (I've found that the consistency is better when it's frozen), and enough lower carb frozen fruit to mask the taste of the kale to make my breakfast most mornings. There are a few brands that make plain yogurt with protein in the 20s and carbs that are 10 grams or under. Siggi's is another favorite because they are one of the few brands that have flavored yogurt that is still reasonably low in carbs. I like having them around for a grab-and-go snack or breakfast, or just when I'm wanting something sweeter. I love their kefir as well, and will sometimes use it as a smoothie base rather than yogurt.

I would only bring up WLS to her if you have the means and the willingness to assist her, not just emotionally but financially if necessary, should she decide to pursue it. She's witnessed how your surgery transformed your life for the better, so she's already in possession of knowledge of its benefits. I'd be surprised if she wasn't acutely aware of her weight. It's conceivable that she actually has considered WLS for herself, but doesn't have the means for it to be a feasible option. Apologies for writing about myself here, but I thought it might be useful. The door to having WLS was opened in my mind in the spring of 2015 when my endocrinologist told me that having VSG had benefitted other women my age and size who struggled with PCOS-related fertility issues. She gave me assurances about the safety and efficacy of the surgery, and made it seem like it was something attainable and sensible for me. My hope soared. It then came crashing down after I consulted with surgeons who were willing to perform the VSG on me but would charge $29,000 to $35,000 for it because my BMI was under 35 and my expensive insurance policy wasn't going to shell out a single red cent for it. I spent considerable time researching insurance policies trying to see if I could switch to one that would cover it if I gained some weight to cross over the 35 threshold, and just hit dead ends. From reading about experiences on here, even people who have higher BMIs and co-morbitidies are either flat-out denied coverage, or strangled by insurance red tape. Prior to the conversation with my endocrinologist, I was very self-conscious about my size, but was able to mentally comfort myself with that thought that I wasn't "that big" (size 14 at the time). After having my doctor tell me that I actually was at a size that qualified me for being a WLS candidate and then finding out that the prohibitive costs of the surgery were so far beyond my reach, my self esteem about my body image plummeted even lower. I even gained more weight during that time, in part because of thinking that it could lead to a better chance of getting insurance approval, but also as a salve. I am still grateful that the endocrinologist told me about VSG, and I'm grateful for this forum and others like it for helping me to feel more confident about going to Mexico for surgery where it's a fraction of the cost. I'm grateful that my mom actually paid for the surgery for me, because even though my husband and I have professional jobs, we also have six figure grad school debt. I don't want to project my own feelings onto you and your daughter, but just make you aware of possible reactions. If she knows you think she's at a high enough weight to need weight loss surgery, but then finds out she cannot afford the surgery, it could be counterproductive.

I've rarely ever given an explanation to a server. They'll ask if that's all I'd like, and I'll answer yes. For decades my mom has frequently ordered something small at restaurants, not because of weight issues (she's actually underweight) but due to having interstitial cystitis that causes her to have extreme sensitivity to many common foods and ingredients. A single bite containing something with black pepper will make her bladder feel like it's on fire for a day, but it would be awkward to reveal that when ordering a meal. She goes to wherever the family or friends wish to eat, and then just does her best to adapt. As an example, she ordered plain white rice at a Thai restaurant because it was literally the only option available to her. She is always polite, and she always makes up for ordering an inexpensive item by leaving a tip comparable to what it would be for a full sized meal. I've basically done the same thing. Or I just order a regular item, and ask for a takeaway box for the uneaten portion. It hasn't been an issue for me. You could always just say that you don't have much of an appetite right now, but you wish you did because there are so many things that look tempting, or something to that effect.

I read your post with an oversized coffee mug in my hand. I only put it down because I type better with both hands. I begin most mornings with a cold brewed coffee and high Protein almond milk (from The Vitamin Shoppe) or Fair Life, and typically have a second one late in the afternoon. Neighbors are doing construction right now that makes me feel like a dentist drill is beside my ear, so I went for the second mug earlier to help calm my head. Bariatric surgeons and nutritionists have their own policies about coffee, with some instructing their patients to abstain from it from life, some advising not having it for the first six months or thereabouts post op, and others simply recommending that you begin slowly and see how you respond. The last one was what I followed, and it's worked out blissfully for me. I found an excellent decaf brew and used that during my first couple of weeks, then very gingerly tried out the real deal. There are are several protein powders that are coffee flavored, such as Chike (not positive on the spelling), and contain some caffeine. I don't really care for them much now that I can drink whatever coffee I please, but they were lifesavers when I was starting out. I definitely would not advise that you gulp down a huge mug of coffee during your first month of post op when you're still delicate and healing, but if you get the green light from your surgeon's team you could try the protein powders and decaf. I just had a few sips of an iced coffee a couple of weeks out. Waited to see how I'd respond. Then proceeded. I gradually have added in more coffee. Now I'm back at having half a pot's worth a day. My blood pressure yesterday was 90/63, and it's typically in that range. It's never even reached the higher end of normal in the past six months. I'm one year post-op as of 8/18.

I'm so sorry you're going through this misery, and I hope you feel much better very soon! I had surgery in Mexico because I didn't meet insurance qualifications to have it locally, but my endocrinologist here in LA is the one who had suggested the VSG to for my PCOS-related issues, and I called and asked her about whether I was likely to develop gallbladder issues and if I should have my gallbladder removed. She said no and no. Some of the Mexico-based surgeons I'd looked into stated that they removed gallbladders for free, and one of the coordinators I consulted with seemed to assume that because of this I'd want mine removed. She told me I'd likely need to within a year if I didn't have it taken out during surgery, because she and other people she knew had painful gallbladder issues that necessitated surgery after having the VSG. So, to her it was more logical to take care of two problems in one go and take advantage of having the gallbladder removed for free. Her circumstance was very different from mine, though, because she said her starting weight was over 400 pounds and that she lost nearly 200 of it relatively quickly. My starting BMI was in the low 30s and my initial weight loss goal was 65 pounds (I've lost a bit over 80 pounds now, but quite slowly). My endocrinologist said that it would not be necessary or beneficial for me to have my gallbladder removed considering my specific circumstances - age, weight loss goal, overall health. I've never lost more than 11 pounds in one month (and that includes the "honeymoon phase" immediately post-op when most drop weight the fastest), and some people have lost that or far more in 10 days. She said that those who are losing weight rapidly are at a much higher risk of having gallbladder problems. So it's definitely something that is very individual. August 18 was my one-year mark, and I haven't had any gallbladder or other issues.

Best wishes to you! I had surgery in Tijuana last August with Dr. Garcia and had a surprisingly pleasant time in the city, and a mostly positive experience at the clinic (CER, and the only negative for me was that at the time it was under construction and noisy). Some of the nurses treating me did not speak English, but the doctor overseeing them as well as my surgeon and the anesthesiologist were all fluent, and attentive. I speak Spanish decently when I'm fully coherent, but forgot a lot of it while groggy post-op. Still, I didn't feel like communication was a problem since they would get the doctor for me if they didn't understand what I was asking. My parents were my support team since my husband was working, and they also were treated very well and got along fine despite not speaking a word of Spanish. They stayed at the Marriott, and were shuttled to and from there to CER every morning and evening for free. The hotel was a bit dated, but the staff was sweet and eager to please. If you're staying there I think you'll be comfortable. I had considered Dr. Lopez and Vida, and feel like I would have been in safe hands with him and that facility as well. A coordinator I'd consulted with had described Vida as being like "Beverly Hills in Tijuana", and the reviews I read of it mostly came from pleased patients. I live in LA and have to say that CER was actually nicer than some of the facilities in BH, and from the outside Vida also looked newer and more upscale that most here. I think you have a very attainable goal, and that you'll likely reach it within a year like I did. I'm glad for you that you're super excited, because you should be!