Berry78

[Hugs].... You'll be fine! Sent from my SM-N920R4 using BariatricPal mobile app

There are a ton of people getting their bands removed and converted. Sounds like a good idea to me! Good luck! Sent from my SM-N920R4 using BariatricPal mobile app

One way to calculate Protein would be figure out how much is in each ounce, and separate it by ounces on the plate. Let's say you are eating cottage cheese. 1/2 cup is approx. 4 ounces. Divide the dollop into 4 equal portions on the plate, then see how many of the little 1oz piles you eat. 1/2 cup has 13g of protein, so each pile has about 3g of protein. (If you eat all 4, it's like you get a bonus gram! Lol). Since you are basically needing to consume a ton of milk, how about try drinking 1 quart of fairlife milk a day. That will be 52g of protein right there, AND you get in 1/2 your fluids. (That may sound like a crazy amount of milk, but a pregnant or lactating woman is recommended to drink that, on top of normal meals! Your body is working at least as hard as a pregnant woman's during the healing phase!). Hope something here helps!

I'm so happy you are back home, safe and sound! I've been thinking of you! (I didn't want to say anything, but I lost my brother 34yo, and mother, 49yo to pulmonary embolism... my brother flew alot, and my Mom had some long car rides... neither had a diagnosis, so didn't get appropriate treatment). If they want you to take a blood thinner for the next 6 months or year, it's a good idea. Coumadin takes more upkeep but it is easily reversed in case of excessive bleeding. Good luck!

How about put all your troubles into one post? Then we get a full picture You aren't eating or drinking, you aren't taking Vitamins, and you are totally blocked up. You poor thing! First thing is to research Vitamin Patches. That will help you a smidge. Talk to your doctor about a feeding tube or some other way to get nutrition. You are starving to death! It is a good idea to get the nurse out for the anti-nausea meds.. any thing to get you hydrated and feeling better. The sweating probably has something to do with all these other problems!

I did a quick search to figure out what this is. I'm sure you know, but I'll describe it for others reading the thread. Basically the large intestine is significantly longer than normal. The colon is where the Water is absorbed, so since it is long, it has time to absorb more water than usual, making constipation a common occurrence. It is good you found out about it so you can be sure to double up on your Fiber and increase your water consumption. Also, if you get really bad pain in your abdomen, you could be impacted, and need to go to the ER. Doesn't happen often, but it COULD. I did see where you say you are still having trouble eating and drinking. It is doubly important for you to get that under control. Good luck!

First off, at 2 weeks out, "food" is really just liquids. You may or may not feel full by loading up on the shakes, but that is pretty inconsequential this early on. Protein, hydration, and Vitamins, and walking. THOSE are the important things. Your stomach will continue healing for at least the first 8-9 weeks. That's why solid food doesn't start until then. (Soft foods that go down in the consistency of applesauce really aren't "solid", are they!) The feeling of solid food pressing against the sides of the stomach are what will make you feel full, but that can't happen during the initial period. I can't advise you to go against your Doctor, but perhaps you can speak with him/her, and get some clarification on the issue. If the concern is you feeling hungry, then that doesn't seem like a huge concern... particularly if it is keeping you from meeting the requirements. Oh, and the unflavored protein powders can be added to Soups and the like. They need to be mixed with a liquid, not consumed dry. Good luck!

You know, having just learned about the surgery, myself... There is another reason friends say, "but you're not that big". Partly because they are being nice, but partly because they honestly believe the surgery is designed only for the 500#+, bedridden, crowd. After all, you are up, walking around, living your life. It would never occur to them that that surgery would even apply! We had a friend 15 years ago who was over 400lbs, and surgery never even crossed our minds for him! Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

Here's hoping a Dr.'s note will be enough to get you the necessary time off. You won't be any good to them in a weakened condition anyway. [Hugs] Good luck! Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

Something to try: simmer bone-in chicken or beef for 2-3 hours in enough water to cover. Throw in veggies..carrots, celery, onions, etc. Strain. Skim fat off (or refrigerate to harden...easier to remove). The broth has a surprising amount of protein and minerals. Put a tiny amount of salt in, but if this becomes a large part of your diet, don't put much, if any in. Counts as fluid. Sounds like your Mom might need to visit the board to see that everyone has trouble right after surgery. Added pressure to "eat" isn't fair if you are doing your best. Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

The elite look good (low sugar). Thanks! Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

A good start is just telling them you are on a diet... see what sort of feedback you get from that. Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

There is some debate about stomach-stretching. Carbonated beverages are hard on the teeth. Potential "gateway" item. Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

This is a difficult one. 1. tastes change after both surgeries 2. Not everyone dumps after bypass 3. Some people dump after sleeve 4. Bypass would help long term in not absorbing all the calories from sweets 5. But, because of 2+4, bypass people might get too comfortable continuing to eat sweets...leading to weight gain. These are confounding generalities... But, as for you, specifically, are you diabetic or prediabetic? Have you always had a sweet tooth, or has it gotten worse? I never had a huge sweet tooth until I became prediabetic. The condition changed my cravings.. And, do you have heartburn, acid reflux, GERD? Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

Taste buds change, but I don't know if anyone knows WHY exactly. I suspect it is hormonal (like pregnant women can smell odors 10x stronger). In addition, try water at different temperatures, try different brands from the store (there are huge differences in taste!). Hopefully something will click. Good luck! Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

I think everyone has abdominal pain after surgery. As always, ask your doc about any concerns. You should have been given discharge instructions for what to watch out for. Agonizing pain, fever (above 102f), fainting, uncontrollable nausea/vomiting, etc. warrants an ER visit. Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

Cindy, the best way to improve your singing voice is practice! Sing as much as you can, and you WILL get better! Heavier people tend to have deeper pitched voices than lighter people. So... lose weight, and your voice might sound a bit higher pitched I think it is to do with the amount of flesh in and around the throat. Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

Oops.. demitasse... spelling isn't my strength Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

The above posters are spot on. As for cleaning your plate, try to figure out how much food (or drink) you are able to (or should) consume at meal time. Only put that much in your dish. Get tiny dishes and silverware.... you will be using them for a long time. They make flatware that isn't infantile/plastic coated (look up dematasse on Amazon). You've got this! Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

It may be a joint issue that has nothing to do with the surgery (especially if it is swollen). Maybe try to get an xray or something. Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

If a bariatric patient is planning a pregnancy, she needs to wait the 18 months for herself and the baby. After her weight has stabilized, there will be more energy and nourishment that can go to the baby and it will be a safer start for him/her. That said, early pregnancy is not unheard of, but the mother needs to be seen by a high risk obstetrician, and she should be prepared to put herself 2nd for the duration of the pregnancy. That means she gives up her weight loss goals. Remember, the first year after the surgery is a special, once in a lifetime, opportunity. A pregnancy in the middle of it is severely unfortunate. Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

Congrats on the weight loss! I assume part of that was preop! What is your concern with protein? Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

Reminds me of my pcp's scale, except it weighs about 8lbs light! Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

Love it! Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App

I have 3 teenagers at home. I worry about how complications would affect them. But, I bounce back to looking at the people around me (weight-related depression, job insecurity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, dementia, neuropathy, retinopathy, sepsis, pulmonary ebolism...) and I see my own future. I have just started blood pressure medication and am prediabetic. And I realize that I need to do something NOW. If all goes well, I'll be a BETTER parent. If it doesn't, well, at least they saw me TRY to better myself. Sent from my SM-N920R4 using the BariatricPal App