dlappjr

I also use MYFitnessPal. My username is dlappjr. feel free to friend me. I am looking for a group of people who might regularly look at other peoples food journals to get an idea of things I can adjust to be more efficient with my intake. I am good about making good choices, but maybe there is an even better choice that I am not aware of.

Thats AWESOME! Congrats!

I was about 3 weeks out and I went to Panera Bread. It was the healthier option available. I had broccoli and cheese soup. Didn't eat the chunks of broccoli.

There is a light at the end. I know you can't see it. I couldn't see it either, but week by week you feel better. Then all of a sudden you hit phase 4, soft foods. That is when you will realize the light is shining in your face. But then new challenges arise. Can I eat this? or that? What if I put this and that together? Will that be ok? It's hard to imagine this, but just keep on keeping on. It does and WILL get better! I am 9 weeks tomorrow. I had 1/4 of a Qdoba Quesadilla for lunch. That was about 3.5oz. I had a piece of salmon for dinner last night. Around 4-4.5oz. Soon you will be eating regular food like a regular person. Just less of it. You will start to feel better, because you will be gaining more freedom as far as the types of food you can have. These early phases are to allow you to heal and allow you to make the needed adjustments to stay away from the bad stuff later. Because you will eventually be able to have the bad stuff. But you shouldn't want to.

I tried the pure protein chocolate peanut butter one today and it has a weird taste to me... I'll keep looking for one with a good amount of protein and a good taste. I am so sorry. I had made a mistake on that one. Its actually a Premier Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter one I like. I bought one of the Pure Protein ones and I realized it was the wrong one. I havent eaten it yet. Sorry.

I have not tried the Arctic Zero. I have, however, found Blue Bunny makes a Low Fat, No Sugar Added Bunny Tracks. It only has 4g of sugar. Only as a treat, like every 3-4 days and only on nights before I workout the next morning (makes myself feel better about indulging). Other than that one, Bryers also makes a low fat, no sugar added strawberries and cream. http://www.bluebunny.com/Products/d/Sweet_Freedom_Ice_Cream_Bunny_Tracks

This is the reason that my surgeon told me to stay off the scale. I didn't notice any significant weight loss till a few weeks out. Try not to let it bother you. Keep following the instructions for your diet, and keep walking. It WILL come off. Overthinking about the numbers will cause undue stress. I hit a stall for over a week at week 3-5. Couldn't lose a pound. Then I lost 6 in a few days. If you do choose to step on the scale, be prepared for anything, cause it can vary so much from day to day.

I did the same. Low Carb Tortilla with homemade sauce from canned tomatoes I do every fall. Used stevia instead of sugar. Added just a little brown sugar. Turkey Pepperoni with Low Fat Italian Cheese Blend. I ate half of it and felt good. I have also had: Cheeseburger: Turkey Burger, Cheese, Pickles, Sauteed Peppers and Onions, low sugar ketchup Italian Sausage and Peppers: Turkey Mild Italian Sausages with Sauteed Peppers and Onions topped with my homemade Pasta sauce and low fat cheese. Pizza: Confession, I did actually consume a half slice of supreme pizza last weekend. I did not eat the crust. I felt ok afterwords. slightly guilty, but physically fine. Cannot make a habit of this though. Looking forward to making chicken fried rice using cauliflower instead of rice. Cauliflower Fried Rice You will find new and creative ways to get similar meals that you used to love, just healthier versions of them. I find it fun to shop at different places and for different things to put together as a healthy alternative to the crap I ate before. Is it possible to eat rice after surgery? I'm Indian and we live off rice so it's been really difficult to give up Yes, it is possible. Not a thing to eat regularly but you can have some. Tonight was a special occasion. Took my wife to cheesecake factory for our first date night in 4 months. I am 2 months post op so I ordered Thai Salmon. It came with rice and veggies. I did eat less than 2 spoonfuls of the rice and only a small amount of the salmon. My wife ordered a piece of cheesecake and I had 2 small bites. I usually say that we need to follow our instructions and watch what we eat. But I am not the type that says we absolutely have to stay within a set of lines. We are humans. We are doing the best we can and makeing the best decisions based on many different factors. I think that a few special occasions allows you a little flexibility. That said, everything within reason. This cannot become the new norm, where everything is a "special occasion". Dont let yourself fall into that poisonous way of thinking. For now, know that you will be able to eat things again. In due time. For now, focus on getting to a point where you can have a special occasion, and not let it turn into an everyday thing.

Similar problem here. I have a sedentary desk job. The first few weeks back to work were ok. Recently I started noticing my old habits of checking Facebook and yahoo and this site even, and wanting to snack. I have to keep getting up and moving and drinking Water. I think also that when I don't get enough water, I feel the need to snack more. Good luck finding what works best for you. I am still trying to get a grip on this. I can have foods now so I have certain snack foods in my desk that can get me through. I try to have just two snack times per day. Between Breakfast and lunch and then between lunch and when I leave. This is the part that is the struggle. Working through these trying times where you may fall back into old habits.

Sorry to hear that, Dub! Sorry for your Family's loss. Makes us realize that we need to take advantage of this second shot we get after surgery!

My NUT suggested the Healthy Request soups. I didn't look at the salt content of those though.

I am not sure if it's a good thing, or a bad thing, but I have had an easy time post op. Never had a food that disagreed with me, anything I used to like, I still like and even tolerate things I didn't before. I do tend to eat too quickly still. Because of that, I sit down to only a small amount of food so that if I lose track of eating slowly, I don't over eat. Most of the time I only ate about 1 1/2 worth. After a couple of weeks doing that almost everyday, I would still only eat about 1 1/2 worth, but added fresh fruit or turkey sausage as well.

Phase 3 for me allowed soft scrambled eggs. That was my savior. I would scramble 2 every morning with a little cheese. That was a good source of Protein, along with cottage cheese and pureed clam chowder.

I followed my pre op diet for 14 days. I dropped 25 lbs before surgery. I think 4 days is too soon to see any real progress. Follow the instructions they gave you and drink lots of water. You will be ok.

Did you try the Isopure Protein drinks? I like them, some people do not. But they are not thick like a shake, more like a gatorade. I found several Protein Bars that I like. Not sure if they are phase 3 safe, but they are: Power Crunch AND Power Crisp Protein Energy Bar, both vanilla and chocolate Mint are great. Pure Protein makes a good Chocolate Peanut Butter one. I didn't start on bars till around 6 weeks though. And only as an occasional snack or before a workout.

I did the same. Low Carb Tortilla with homemade sauce from canned tomatoes I do every fall. Used stevia instead of sugar. Added just a little brown sugar. Turkey Pepperoni with Low Fat Italian Cheese Blend. I ate half of it and felt good. I have also had: Cheeseburger: Turkey Burger, Cheese, Pickles, Sauteed Peppers and Onions, low sugar ketchup Italian Sausage and Peppers: Turkey Mild Italian Sausages with Sauteed Peppers and Onions topped with my homemade Pasta sauce and low fat cheese. Pizza: Confession, I did actually consume a half slice of supreme pizza last weekend. I did not eat the crust. I felt ok afterwords. slightly guilty, but physically fine. Cannot make a habit of this though. Looking forward to making chicken fried rice using cauliflower instead of rice. Cauliflower Fried Rice You will find new and creative ways to get similar meals that you used to love, just healthier versions of them. I find it fun to shop at different places and for different things to put together as a healthy alternative to the crap I ate before.

@@Elode told me about this site. I have not used it yet, but looks like they have a lot of options for us. vitacost

It's a bargain at any price. I know how that must feel, but I will add this. You were prepared to spend the money for a better future. Hopefully you can end up getting it covered. If not, you will still be happy with the results just the same. Good luck!

Good question. I am watching this now. Hopefully someone with experience will chime in. I just started at the gym a couple weeks ago. I am regularly getting 100g Protein per day, but once I lose more and want to really add muscle, I bet I will need more than that. I think it also helps to know when to consume it too. I read in a Protein pamphlet that The Vitamin Shoppe put in my last bag, that you want whey Protein: After you wake up in the AM, Before a workout, after a workout. Then you want Casein Protein before you go to bed. Casein takes longer for your body to breakdown, thus your body will not breakdown your own protein while you sleep. At least that was the case this article made. I also found this link helpful to me for many reasons, Protein Intake being one of them. The Best Diet Plan To Lose Fat, Build Muscle & Be Healthy The Ultimate Weight Training Workout Routine

I have tried: Bariatric Advantage Protein Powder: Orange Cream, banana, Iced Latte They were ok tasting, overpriced. Premier Protein: Strawberries and Cream, vanilla Best bang for the buck if you can get them at costco or Sams. Taste is good Isopure whey Protein Powder: Alpine Punch I like this one. Its not as thick as other shakes. Wanted something Fruity. WheyTech BodyTech Pro 24: chocolate Mint, Banana Cream Hands down my favorite Protein shake. I was always a Vanilla guy, but this Chocolate Mint shake is amazing. And you don't have to buy a huge tub of it either. The Vitamin Shoppe sells single serve packets of it. Pure Protein Premade Shakes (Pop Can size): Banan Cream I liked these a lot too. Best Banana flavor I have tried. nectar Protein: Sample Pack. You can get 13 individual packs for $15.00. One time only. Its really worth it. They have some good flavors but buying a large canister for 28+ is a gamble. http://www.si03.com/EMAIL/nectar_gng_sampler/nectarsampler.html Isopure Protein Zero Carb DRINK: Alpine Punch, Apple Melon, Orange-Pineapple-Banana I like these drinks. I got sick of the shake thickness after the 3rd week post op. I also did them for 2 weeks pre op so by then I had enough. The drinks are not for everyone. Its like gatorade but with a weird aftertaste. I suggest trying one to see if you like it. It might not be for you. Vitamins: I started with Centrum Complete Chewables but after the first bottle, switched to Kroger Childrens Complete Chewable Multi Vitamins. Better price. I got B Complex Chewable wafers from The Vitamin Shoppe but didn't care for the after taste of the Kiwi strawberry flavor so I went back and got Strawberry flavored Gummies from The Vitamin Shoppe. Calcium Citrate I bought through the Pharmacy at my local hospital but you can get them online. Bariatric Advantage Cal Citrate 500mg Chews, Orange flavor. My Surgeon told me to wait till I was a month Post Op to take these. D3: I just got the cheapest bottle from the local Meijer or Kroger. 2000iu, once a day. If you go to The Vitamin Shoppe, sign up for their rewards program. After the 3rd week after you sign up, they will send you a 20% off coupon in the mail. Try a few things from there at first and once you get that coupon, make a list of things you want to buy large amounts of, that 20% off is for the total of one shopping trip. I saved like 50 by buying a bunch at once. Good luck!

Its very good to be prepared. I read so much before Surgery that I think I forgot at least half of it and still learned so much. Vitamins: 1 Multi Vitamin, twice a day, chewable at first, starting on Day 1 Post OP (I take one at 7:00am and the other at 7:00pm) B Complex, Chewable wafers or Gummies, starting Day 1 Post OP and Vitamin D3, 2000iu Once a day, starting Day 1 Post OP. Calcium Citrate, 500mg or more per chewable, 3 times per day. My Surgeon told me to wait till week 4 Post OP for these. I use: Kroger Brand Childrens Complete Multi Vitman Chewable (Do not use Gummies, they are not a complete multi) Cheapest 2000IU D3 I can find, Natures Bounty I think, Cannot remember B Complex Gummies: http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/p/nutrition-now-b-complex-gummy-70-gummies/nn-3014#.Viksjek6NUM Cal Citrate: Bariatric Advantage Chews 500mg, Orange. http://www.bariatricfoodsource.com/Bariatric_Advantage_Calcium_Chews_500mg_p/ba-cal-chewy-500.htm Food: As for the Sugar part, I was told by my surgeon that there is no excuse for drinking any beverages with sugar in them ever again. He just doesn't want me to drink sugar. As for Sugar in foods, naturally occurring carbs and sugars, like in fruit, veggies and other whole, non processed foods, are ok. It took me almost 3 weeks to realize this and I was purposely trying to keep my carbs down. My Nutritionist said I should be getting 80g of carbs per day and I was trying to stay below 20. Now that I can have foods again, and next week, bread and grains, I will be eating whole for sure. Just watch your added sugar or refined/processed sugars/carbs. Protein Shakes: These will make up the majority of your Protein for the first month or so. I am 2 months out and get a lot of protein from food, but still take Protein shakes or drinks or bars occasionally. Most of the reputable shake makers have 5g or less of sugars. Speaking of that, that is one thing my NUT told me also. Anything above 5g of sugar per serving, look to see where the sugar is coming from. If its because it has fruit in it and no added sugar, that is ok, but if sugar is a listed ingredient and it has more that 5g of sugar per serving, try to find something else instead. The Premiere Protein at costco or Vitamin Shoppe has less that 5g, most of the good whey Protein powders do. You are asking the right questions!

Hope you are doing well since your surgery! Its amazing how much better I feel having weight off of me!

I have also been fortunate enough not to have issues throwing up. I was worried that because I was on phase 1 for two weeks, it was a full 5 weeks before I could have soft cooked veggies and chicken, that I would have a stricture. Fortunately everything is good, but the Dr. should know about this. Good luck!

@@dlappjr I am not sure what your plan allows. I am very grateful that my NUT has the Chike Iced coffee on her list of 4 acceptable Protein powders we can have. It does have a small amount of coffee as an ingredient which surprises me that it's allowed. I do not mix it full strength as per the "recipe", however, I do substitute some into a scoop of chocolate protein powder. It gives a nice mocha flavor and has become my breakfast protein shake. http://www.chikenutrition.com/buy-chike-coffee-mocha.html They make two versions of it. Both are great. I simply mix with ice and Water. I'm very, very grateful toi have this great product in my arsenal. Best wishes. Thanks Dub! I tried the Bariatric Advantage vanilla Latte flavor protein powder. It was ok. Not horrible. I have just really gotten away from the shakes, in favor of bars and Isopure drink. That plus I now eat salmon, turkey and chicken regularly. I will have to try the Chike. I have heard a lot of people like it. Hopefully you are recovering well! I remember my second week off work after surgery I was a little firecracker man. Energy for days and loved to get outside and walk. Best of luck!