KristenLe

Cottage cheese, ricotta bake, refried beans with cheese (add sour cream or even bake with cream cheese), hummus, egg salad, ham salad, tuna salad, (puree ham or tuna and add mayo, etc). Be creative - go slow and enjoy! I would avoid baby foods - they sometimes have added sugar and not much protein (not to mention it's nasty! Lol)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using the BariatricPal App Drinking shakes to supplement protein is fine. You may want to eat protein rich foods and not the roll or even potato. Rolls expand in your stomach and will fill you up and won't let you eat enough protein.

@@northstar9148 Infused Water should be okay to drink if you were told no fruit. You get some of the Vitamins and nutrients but not the fructose or calories. You can also try Powerade Zero, Vitamin Water Zero, broth (watch sodium), herbal teas (all sorts of flavors and can have hot or cold), add lemon to regular water or tea, etc. Crystal light may have stevia in some of them - that's a much better alternative than aspartame.

@@Mudgy6 You should talk to your surgeon about this issue - it's important that you are able to get Protein in some way. I realized my multi-Vitamin was making me extremely nauseous and had to stop taking it (I'm pre-op so need to shop for one that doesn't make me sick).

@@northcountyr1 Wow - I'm actually surprised you were able to eat that much. I think my plan says "3-4 ozs" a meal at 6 weeks.

When I said "water" - I mean non-caloric drinks (which the base is usually water). A high protein diet can cause constipation and requires even more non-caloric liquids than usual. The OP is pre-op - so there's definitely a possibility of eating too much protein being a cause for not losing weight (because it can also mean you are also eating too many calories).

@@RosieCheeks LOL

@@BarefootDrummer Sorry you're dealing with this! The blood in the urine could very well be from the exercise and dehydration combination. You definitely need to follow-up with this though. I would schedule an appointment with your PCP and they will probably refer you to a Urologist, Nephrologist or Uro-Gynecologist. I went to both a Urologist (man) and a Uro-Gynecologist (woman) and found that the URO-Gyn was much more helpful. The male urologist did all sorts of tests and basically told me I don't pee often enough. You will probably need a catscan (with contrast of your bladder and kidneys). But - it may just all be from dehydration especially if you know you're not getting enough water/fluids. You will need even more than 64ozs if exercising - especially in the heat. So - here's my advice. Set a timer to remind you to start drinking (30 minutes after you eat - stop 30 minutes before you eat - or whatever your program requirements are). You don't only need to drink Water - you can drink a Protein drink (which will help you get the protein and fluids at the same time). Try the Atkins Lift or Isopure, Syntrax, etc. rather than the milky type shakes. Be prepared - always have fluids with you (keep several bottles in your car if you forget). Drink decaf tea, crystal light, Powerade zero, broth, Vitamin water zero. Have sugar free popsicles. Always have fluids with you - make it your routine to grab your car keys and a bottle of water. Good luck!

@@mommabear2311 It not only depends on the State but often on your particular BCBS plan and patient circumstances. You need to find out the requirements specific to you and have the surgeon's office confirm them (I was given wrong information by BCBS Rep).

@@BeautifulSharifah It is hard - but necessary to be sure you are healthier for surgery. Use this opportunity to learn how to eat like you will after weight loss surgery - high Protein, low carb. No Pasta, bread, rice, Cereal, sweets, etc. What sugar and fat content in food - no more than 5 gms of either in a serving. Watch out for added sugars (can be in alot of foods - particularly "diet" foods). The biggest thing you can do is PLAN - have healthy options available to you at all times. Eat 4-6 small meals a day (3 hours in between) and drink at least 64 ozs of Water (or non-caloric drinks). No sodas (diet or regular), no smoothies (usually loaded with sugar), no special coffee drinks (unless sugar free). Good luck!

@@missdeeAus I would call today if you can. They may want to run some blood work - it could be a Vitamin or mineral deficiency.

@@Fallinginlovewithmeagain I certainly hope so!!! I'm sick of being the bearded lady!!! :-)

There's no such thing as too much protein. Protein never turns into fat. And the protein that isn't used in the body, is excreted. There's too much protein if it also means you have too many calories or even too much fat. It can also cause constipation and you need to drink even more Water than usual.

@@CariC I had such a hard time drinking the barium during GI Series. It was horrible. I kept gagging and burping which then I had to do the pop rock thing again. This is the worst of everything so far and I'm absolutely dreading another one post-op (in the hospital).

I saw a recipe for guacamole deviled eggs . They looked so good I can't wait to try them.

People need to lighten up! What was said that was so "ugly"? This is ridiculous.

I have had Psych Eval, Upper GI Series, EKG, Lots of blood work (10 vials). I already had sleep study before pursuing WLS. I don't have gallbladder. I'm expecting a few more tests right before surgery (have to go to pre-op at hospital before surgery).

I suggest calling your Dr to discuss. It's not unusual to only eat 2-3 small bites - especially depending on what you're eating. Are you measuring food and taking tiny bites, chewing and eating very slow? If you aren't able to keep liquids down - you need to call your surgeon.

My program is reluctant to allow anyone to go back before 4 weeks. They said it's more about getting the program down before having to deal with it at work than the physical limitations. They require nurses and cops to be out 8-10 weeks. Many people have gone back much sooner.

It's good to consider these issues ahead of time! Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

My nutritionist said it's almost impossible to get enough Protein at that point without supplements (shake or powder). Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

Same results...as in weight loss results? That doesn't mean they aren't damaging their organs or losing muscle, screwing up their metabolism, have abnormal labs, etc.. I think I'll stick with the thousands of other surgeons who follow national standards and evidenced based guidelines. Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

It's more about your body breaking down muscle for protein which can cause significant health issues. Your brain needs protein to function. Supplement with shakes or powder if needed. Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

Both surgeries have similar success rates. They are both only tools and success will depend on whether you change your lifestyle and eating habits. Talk to your surgeon about both and see what they recommend. Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App