Little Green

Hi. I had sleeve surgery on 12/28/2017 - just a day after you. Please don't worry. You're not alone. The first week post-op I lost 8 pounds, second week 0, third week +1 pound. I was so frustrated and concerned that I went through all of this and I wouldn't lose weight. I was following the food plan and walking. It didn't seem logical. Then, over the past week I lost 9 pounds. So, in total I've lost 17 pounds post-surgery. It's not too far from your total. I thought that I'd lose more weight too after surgery. My surgeon told me not to expect huge weekly losses, instead, to expect 2 lbs. of weight loss per week.
As the weeks and months pass by, our losses will add up. By 12/27/2018, your weight loss total will not be 11 pounds. It will be much more. Feel free to send a message to me if you want to compare notes throughout this year.

Thank you so much, you guys. I was so frustrated yesterday but today I decided to try again and explained the situation with my husband. He called back about 2 hours later with a date! February 15! Woohoo!

Thank you so much, you guys. I was so frustrated yesterday but today I decided to try again and explained the situation with my husband. He called back about 2 hours later with a date! February 15! Woohoo!

Did you explain that to your coordinator?
((hugs)) This truly is one of the most frustrating aspects of the entire process!! I get it!

I'd put your concerns in writing with the dates you need....and drop an email carbon copied to all the coordinators in your group. I have had really good luck using my group's email to get my needs met. it gives them a chance to do it at their convenience, and the written record gives them something to refer to in case someone else cancels.
I lucked into a canceled slot and got my surgery the week after I was approved. This was at an office where they're scheduling surgeries two and three months out.
Leave an electronic paper trail...it helps more than leaving phone messages.

What's a participation heading? To the left of your posts I see the following:
Is that's what you're referring to?

^ Jeez, how many times can I say "truly enjoy," "truly savor," etc.??? Sorry for the repetitive phrases - it's super late and I need to be in bed! Hopefully you caught my drift anyway.

Seriously - isn't ratatouille so beautiful?????????? OK I'm going to bed

Most definitely - we all do! That was awesome for you to go to the support group. You'll definitely still be able to enjoy food; that's something I talk about with my therapist -- about changing my mindset from "enjoying food = stuffing myself on fatty food past the point of fullness" to "enjoying food = creating colorful, nutritious food flavored with herbs and truly savored and appreciated."
When I'm struggling I think about my ideal self preparing my ideal meal - for some reason a colorful ratatouille is always something that I picture, or something piled high with colorful ripe berries. Setting the table and sitting down with my husband, talking and truly savoring the food - both for its taste and for the ways it nourishes my body. That image is a far cry from eating a brown bacon cheeseburger and brown fries and a brown soda, in my car by myself, with my mind numbed to the shoveling of food into my mouth. Which image portrays someone who is truly enjoying food?
That's what motivates me. Yes, at the beginning I'll be limited in what I can eat while the weight loss phase is in full-swing. But once your body adapts and you leave the "honeymoon phase," if you've used your tool wisely you'll have transformed your relationship to food and you WILL be able to enjoy it, truly enjoy and savor it.

And um...we also eat carbs:) No refined sugar, but Beans, potatoes, whole wheat breads, Protein Pasta, oatmeal....low glycemic carbs that don't cause sugar spikes and boomerang hunger...I eat them daily. fruit, too:)
Bariatrics is an emerging field. There are some new ideas out there, and lots of old ones. Time will tell which ones work the best long term. And like everything else...I'm sure some plans work better for some people than others.

I went to a support group today and there were some post op and their words and experiences spoke volumes for me. I told them about this website and how its so motivating for me. I have my days def

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This one sentence should really put everything else into perspective.

I strongly doubt it. I shared some similar concerns with my surgeon and she said they like to see weight maintenance or loss from the initial visit, and that month-to-month fluctuations aren't usually considered in the decision. After all, weight can be affected by any little thing. Traveling makes people retain Water, maybe you didn't poop that morning, etc. Of course all insurances are different so maybe you can call and get some peace of mind, but I truly don't think it will matter. 35 pounds is amazing!!!!

Hello everyone,
Monday I had another upper GI which did show I had a stricture. I was admitted into the hospital on Wednesday. Thursday they did an endoscopy with balloon to open the stricture. I was released yesterday (Saturday) since my vomiting and heartburn was under control.
So I’m out and I feel SO much better. I actually slept through the night last night and woke up early today.
The doctor did send me home on raglan and lorazepam to help everything move through my stomach.
My only issue now is figuring out what my stomach can handle so that I can meal prep for work this week.

Thank you all for checking in on me and getting me all of the great advice and support !!

I've told tons of people. My parents, siblings, close friends, spouse's parents, people at school who needed to know for academic reasons, etc. I haven't said anything on social media so those who I don't see in person don't know yet (I will probably say something the day or two before surgery). I've had mostly positive reactions, with a few mixed reactions as well. My MIL said, "Are you sure?" First thing out of her mouth. But she's gotten much more supportive since then. My best friend was concerned about my safety and the risks of surgery. We spent a while talking about the surgery and recovery time and she felt better after that.
I only had one reaction that really upset me, which was another close friend who responded with, "What do your parents think about it?" and then changed the subject. This is my best friend from childhood so I definitely was not expecting that kind of reaction. She was the first person I told so I got scared from telling anyone else and didn't mention it again for several months. She's been very supportive recently, though. Maybe she just needed time to process it.
I do have to say that none of my family members or close friends is obese (my parents are overweight, though). So I haven't had to deal with the potentially jealous or defensive reactions. I do have one obese friend whom I have specifically not told yet... in the past she has made comments making fun of skinny people, to make herself feel better I think. I think she sees us as "in this together" and also may be thankful that I am bigger than her so she doesn't have to be the biggest one in the room, if that makes sense? Of everyone I think she's the most likely to react negatively, so I've been waiting until the right time to mention it.
So... all of that said. I think if you want to tell people you should, but bear in mind their own insecurities about weight. It's likely that their reaction has more to do with them than with you. The more you know about your surgery, the better the reactions will probably be. You can answer questions and show them you've researched for quite some time and you're not just looking for a magic bullet.
I'm personally not a fan of keeping it secret, I think it perpetuates the stigma against WLS, but it's a personal decision and depends on how you feel about advocating for yourself if someone should speak against you or the surgery. So I really don't blame anyone who chooses not to tell.

How are you doing, @Brandi.? I would love to read an update from you if you're able. I hope you were able to get some help over the last couple of days and figure out what's wrong and get some relief. We're rooting for you.

I've told tons of people. My parents, siblings, close friends, spouse's parents, people at school who needed to know for academic reasons, etc. I haven't said anything on social media so those who I don't see in person don't know yet (I will probably say something the day or two before surgery). I've had mostly positive reactions, with a few mixed reactions as well. My MIL said, "Are you sure?" First thing out of her mouth. But she's gotten much more supportive since then. My best friend was concerned about my safety and the risks of surgery. We spent a while talking about the surgery and recovery time and she felt better after that.
I only had one reaction that really upset me, which was another close friend who responded with, "What do your parents think about it?" and then changed the subject. This is my best friend from childhood so I definitely was not expecting that kind of reaction. She was the first person I told so I got scared from telling anyone else and didn't mention it again for several months. She's been very supportive recently, though. Maybe she just needed time to process it.
I do have to say that none of my family members or close friends is obese (my parents are overweight, though). So I haven't had to deal with the potentially jealous or defensive reactions. I do have one obese friend whom I have specifically not told yet... in the past she has made comments making fun of skinny people, to make herself feel better I think. I think she sees us as "in this together" and also may be thankful that I am bigger than her so she doesn't have to be the biggest one in the room, if that makes sense? Of everyone I think she's the most likely to react negatively, so I've been waiting until the right time to mention it.
So... all of that said. I think if you want to tell people you should, but bear in mind their own insecurities about weight. It's likely that their reaction has more to do with them than with you. The more you know about your surgery, the better the reactions will probably be. You can answer questions and show them you've researched for quite some time and you're not just looking for a magic bullet.
I'm personally not a fan of keeping it secret, I think it perpetuates the stigma against WLS, but it's a personal decision and depends on how you feel about advocating for yourself if someone should speak against you or the surgery. So I really don't blame anyone who chooses not to tell.

I strongly doubt it. I shared some similar concerns with my surgeon and she said they like to see weight maintenance or loss from the initial visit, and that month-to-month fluctuations aren't usually considered in the decision. After all, weight can be affected by any little thing. Traveling makes people retain Water, maybe you didn't poop that morning, etc. Of course all insurances are different so maybe you can call and get some peace of mind, but I truly don't think it will matter. 35 pounds is amazing!!!!

I think you should consider a different type of weight loss surgery. Having done many bands, and taken many out, I would recommend the band in only limited situations.

I’m here at the hospital waiting to get taken back for my RNY. Make room on the losers bench! I’m on my way. Down 25lbs since pre op diet.  

I had about the same amount to lose and I went with the bypass. Part of my decision was made for me because I had severe GERD prior to surgery - but I mainly went with bypass because I had so much to lose. I also blindly believed my doctor when they described the 'negative' feedback (dumping, nausea, basically getting sick if you eat bad things) and wanted that. Sadly, I did my homework after and discovered that doesn't happen to all bypass patients - and I'm one of the lucky ones who can eat literally anything without getting sick. My weight loss has been a bit slower than a lot of bypass patients but that's ok - I'm still losing which is all that matters in the long run.

It's funny when you realized recipes you used all along were plant-based and healthy. Here is the recipe I use for marinara (and it's oil-free!) -
2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
1 6 oz can Tomato paste
1 tbsp onion powder (or 1 diced yellow onion)
1 tbsp dried minced garlic (or 3 cloves minced garlic)
1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp basil
1/2 tbsp oregano
2 bay leaves
pepper to taste
Cook 6-8 hours in the crockpot until it's reduced and caramelized and your house smells like heaven. Cheaper, tastier, and healthier than jarred sauce! @Newme17 you might recognize it as a Budget Bytes recipe! I found her site 3-4 years ago and this is the recipe I've made the most often.
The texture is a happy medium between chunky marinara and smooth sauce-like marinara. I think crushed tomatoes are absolutely perfect texture-wise, but you can use diced tomatoes for chunkier sauce, or use the immersion blender to make this one totally smooth.
This is not a super sweet spaghetti-style sauce. Personally I never liked spaghetti/tomato sauce because it was too sweet (I know a lot of people actually add white sugar to their spaghetti sauce) and when I tried this recipe I knew I found the right one. The brown sugar just cuts the acidity a bit without adding a bunch of sweetness. Just the right level of tangy tomato-y-ness for me personally. And it has TONS of Vitamin A and lycopene for extra cancer-fighting abilities! Whoop!

Edit - we use this on Pasta almost exclusively, but we have also used it as a sauce for pita pizza and it's a nice texture for dipping too.

To me it's similar to Dr. Davis's book but on steroids. I know you've seen his videos on NutritionFacts.org so imagine a whole book made up of those videos. It's very enjoyable but definitely brain-heavy. I just finished part 1 where he talks about all the studies and "how not to die" and I usually did 2 chapters per day just to let my brain rest and soak up the info in between. Now I'm starting part 2 where he talks about the daily dozen and what foods should make up the bulk of your diet.

It's funny when you realized recipes you used all along were plant-based and healthy. Here is the recipe I use for marinara (and it's oil-free!) -
2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
1 6 oz can Tomato paste
1 tbsp onion powder (or 1 diced yellow onion)
1 tbsp dried minced garlic (or 3 cloves minced garlic)
1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp basil
1/2 tbsp oregano
2 bay leaves
pepper to taste
Cook 6-8 hours in the crockpot until it's reduced and caramelized and your house smells like heaven. Cheaper, tastier, and healthier than jarred sauce! @Newme17 you might recognize it as a Budget Bytes recipe! I found her site 3-4 years ago and this is the recipe I've made the most often.
The texture is a happy medium between chunky marinara and smooth sauce-like marinara. I think crushed tomatoes are absolutely perfect texture-wise, but you can use diced tomatoes for chunkier sauce, or use the immersion blender to make this one totally smooth.
This is not a super sweet spaghetti-style sauce. Personally I never liked spaghetti/tomato sauce because it was too sweet (I know a lot of people actually add white sugar to their spaghetti sauce) and when I tried this recipe I knew I found the right one. The brown sugar just cuts the acidity a bit without adding a bunch of sweetness. Just the right level of tangy tomato-y-ness for me personally. And it has TONS of Vitamin A and lycopene for extra cancer-fighting abilities! Whoop!

Edit - we use this on Pasta almost exclusively, but we have also used it as a sauce for pita pizza and it's a nice texture for dipping too.

Okay, I got my samples in! I have to say, I got SO MUCH STUFF for just my $10 in shipping! I think I got at least 11-12 servings of the different kinds/flavors of vegan Protein powders plus a couple little packets of supplements and the full-size green shaker bottle. That is a great value. It's really nice of them to offer such a comprehensive sample pack!
The first one I decided to try was actually not the Veggie Elite protein mix but the Veggie Meal Replacement. The Veggie Elite mix seems like a workout-specific mix, like you would have with the whey powder. Basically just protein in a specific amino acid profile. The Meal Replacement has a different amino acid profile in the protein, plus Omega 3 & 6 from flax (I think it has DHA/EPA as well), plus an antioxidant blend of various herb/fruit powders and extracts, AND a probiotic blend. That packs a lot of punch! It's 190 calories with 22g protein and 8g Fiber. Pretty impressive.
They also included a Veggie Protein mix, which is basically the same as the Meal Replacement except without the Probiotics, and it's fewer calories. So they have 3 vegan products - Meal Replacement, Veggie Protein, and Veggie Elite Protein.
So the mix I made was the Veggie Meal Replacement powder in chocolate Mocha flavor with 8oz chocolate soy milk (FULL DISCLOSURE: it is sweetened!), a couple oz Water, and a few ice cubes. It's really not bad at all. It's slightly thicker than the premade Premier Protein shakes I've been trying - which I believe is true for all powders vs. premade shakes - and because it's got a tiny bit of stevia (about a gram), it's got a slight aftertaste.
So, is it delicious? No. (And I haven't tried it with water or unsweetened milk yet.) But it's a protein powder. None of them are especially tasty and we're not drinking them for that reason. I don't think it would be fair to hold the vegan protein powder to a higher standard than the milk-based ones.
In a whole food diet I don't think vegan protein powders would really have a regular place, because it's better to eat the actual peas and brown rice instead of just their protein - and better to eat the berries and herbs instead of just their extracts. But for bariatric patients in the early stages where volume is limited and stomach space is at a premium I definitely think these are a good choice.
I'm so excited! Definitely going to be making an order of the full-size products. I also found Orgain on Amazon and at costco, so I might give that one a try too. Apparently Garden of Life has an unflavored protein powder but the reviews on Amazon were pretty bad. So between the MRM powders and the Orgain I think I'll be okay for a bit. And I always have the Premier Protein as a backup.
Sorry for the long post! Hopefully these details help someone